Prez, PM in heated argument over East Terminal
Posted on October 16th, 2018
Courtesy The Island
President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had a heated argument, at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, over the East Terminal of the Colombo port to India, according to well informed sources.
Responding to a query, sources said that the PM had brought to the notice of the President that India was interested in the terminals, but the latter had said the East Terminal would be given to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
The Cabinet meeting preceded that of the National Economic Council at the Presidential Secretariat. PM Wickremesinghe did not attend the NEC, chaired by President Sirisena.
Tempers flared after Ports and shipping Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe tabled a Cabinet paper that dealt with port development.
PM Wickremesinghe revealed India’s interest in the East Terminal. That prompted Sirisena to express serious concern over foreign involvement in everything.
President Sirisena, then revealed that he had already informed India that the East Terminal wouldn’t be given to it and if it wanted a terminal it could look at the West Terminal and make the required investment.
During the meeting President Sirisena mentioned the arrest of an Indian national allegedly involved in assassination plot targeting the President and wartime Defence Secretary, sources said.
Sources pointed out that there had been no consensus between the UNP and the SLFP over the development of the Palaly airport with the latter declaring Sri Lanka would handle the project with the SLAF tasked to lay new runway
October 16th, 2018 at 3:34 pm
India’s plan is clear. SWRD Bandaranaike and Premadasa paid the ultimate price for going against India. Looks like India is very keen to do the same to Sirisena and Gotabaya in favour of Ranil, Chandrika, Mahinda, Namal and Basil.
Sirisena (or anyone for that matter) must be supported by all patriotic people in his efforts to save Sri Lanka from India. It is true he was helped by India to become president but at last he has come to the right path. Sadly, some others have now become pro-Indian. Typical of Lankan politics.
Misfortune of the nation ensures most people are driven by clan politics and love/hate of politicians. They cannot see things as they are.
October 16th, 2018 at 4:48 pm
It is very strange that Sri Lanka Government is not giving the opportunity for local Companies to develop these Terminals & Air Port. Just make announcement with Government conditions to see the responds.
October 16th, 2018 at 9:21 pm
Sirisena should understand by this time about this Tie Coat conspirator and traitor who has done immense damage to our country’s economy and to this land and it’s people. He should do the same like Chandrika the witch did in 2004. No one should have any dealings with this westernised traitor because he is an enemy of our Sinhala Buddhist people. We saw his dealings with the most ruthless terrorist organisation LTTE during the war and how he helped them and have enjoyed with the terrorist leaders and their foreign friends? We cannot forget Batalande and Central bank bond scam which he was the mastermind. It’s time for him to vamooze from our lives without making more miserable to live. Sirisena should dissolve the parliament or sack this traitor from his premiership post immediately and start new with a new set of good people. We want to see some action from Sirisena side not just talk. Ranil and his Royal gang should brought to justice for looting and destroying our economy, culture and the religion Buddhism. Jail them and bring peace and prosperity to our nation. Sirisena , show your strength by taking your sword and punishing the wrongdoers.
October 18th, 2018 at 11:27 am
Colombo is getting filled with people from neighbouring countries. You hardly hear Sinhala being spoken except in crowded buses. Yesterday one TV channel was getting comments on an issue from people on the street. It was clear to me that one was an Indian posing as a Sri Lankan. If this visa system continues not only the western province will be flooded with narcotics but the language spoken will be something other than Sinhala.
Wow, LankaWeb server is responding at lightening speed from this evening. It used to be extremely slow.
October 25th, 2018 at 8:55 am
Looks like fighting for the spoils and scrap left in the debt ridden corrupt country.