“Govt. considers leasing East Terminal for 35 years”
Reference to the Business Times report titled “Govt. considers leasing East Terminal for 35 years” published on July 8, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) says the report is based on “inaccurate information provided by Mr. Chandrasiri Mahagamage, an employee of SLPA.”
The SLPA states that Ports and Shipping Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe through a proposal to the National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena on March 16 emphasised the urgent need to develop and operate the East Container Terminal (ECT) as a matter of policy.
The Minister has stressed that it is imperative for SLPA to develop, equip and operate ECT not only for its own sustenance as a vibrant government entity capable of supporting major investments in the port sector but also to cater to the rising demand of the industry for enhanced port capacity to cater to ultra large container carriers that are plying in East West trade route, the statement said.
Reporter notes: The contents of the article was based on comments by Chandrasiri Mahagamage, the JVP trade union leader at the SLPA.