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Last Updated : 2024-03-28 17:02:00
The China Merchant Company will absorb all workers of the Hambantota Port after the take over on January 7 next year, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.
He told media that the Chinese company will absorb the workers under the existing conditions but would sign a fresh agreement with the workers later.
Referring to the recent drama in the Port, the Prime Minister said two companies had informed him that they needed to get their ships released from the port.
“Two companies informed me that their ships were in danger and wanted them out of the port. We have to safeguard the few ships that come to the Hambantota Port. Then we need to develop it into a profit making venture. Therefore I informed President Maithripala Sirisena and the Defence Ministry Secretary about it and we decided to send the Navy Commander to release the ships,” he said. “There are international agreements on safeguarding the ships that come into ports. The International Maritime Organization says international ships need facilities in the ports and security should be strengthened and as such we informed the Navy Commander to take steps to provide security to the ships."
The Prime Minister said the K-line Shipping had asked for US$ 4 million as damages. "Who is going to pay these damages,” he asked and said other shipping lines might also claim damages.
The Prime Minister said the Government would set up a permanent navy camp near the Hambantota Port.
“It is essential especially after the construction of oil bunkering, refinery and ship building facilities are set up in the area,” he said and added that a journalist who was allegedly assaulted had complained to the Tangalle Police whereas he should have complained to the Hambantota Police because the Port comes under their purview.
The Prime Minister said investigations would be conducted to ascertain whether this journalist had entered the high security zone without permission.(Yohan Perera)
Video by Danushka
JANZ Thursday, 15 December 2016 06:14 PM
A Ranatunga where is the port Entry Security Any one can enter to port do anything they like pl give your Resignation immediately via DM Android App
Suranimala Thursday, 15 December 2016 06:41 PM
Looks like reporting "mission accomplished".
Milla Thursday, 15 December 2016 06:44 PM
P.M this is why we voted for you . Keep up the good work . The Navy Commander must be commended for his actions . Well done
AMW Thursday, 15 December 2016 06:51 PM
Well done UNP !! This is how idiots should be treated who think only about themselves.. Thanks to you NAVY Commander ! Our Salute !!!
Kadiya Thursday, 15 December 2016 07:07 PM
Let's see if they will make a protest against this too. Naagh, they'll got yo work for the Chinese with their tails between their legs!!!
Shelly. Thursday, 15 December 2016 07:07 PM
The due place for 3rd Govt. is not the 1st place. Mahinda didnt allow any place at all. via DM Android App
Namal Perera Thursday, 15 December 2016 07:42 PM
Some political stooges of the former Corrupt Regime become Journalists to create unecessary problems and they also disgrace the real journalists. Such individuals should be punished.
Jo Thursday, 15 December 2016 07:48 PM
Salute to our Navy commander for restore Law
Nihal Amarasekera Thursday, 15 December 2016 08:02 PM
Blue Navy wins against Nil Balakaya; actually Battle of Blues.
concern Thursday, 15 December 2016 08:04 PM
January 7 will never come just like other statements he has made !
shantha gamlath Thursday, 15 December 2016 09:21 PM
Mr Prime minister , please tell ur commander of navy to keep well discipline..
ranjith chandrasekera Friday, 16 December 2016 03:57 AM
The question remains could navy commander take the law in to his own hand and assault a person, whether the journalist has entered a security zone or not, There are other ways of taking action breaching the law, but assault. Navy commander's action does not fit the ethics of a person on his position. He has committed a criminal offence and should be arrested and tried in court of law and punished to fit the crime. Where is justice for the common man?
Citizen Friday, 16 December 2016 05:03 AM
May be port workers were not right. However Navy chief assaulting a journalist, then a prominent minister seeing nothing wrong with Navy chief's action (in fact the minister concerned is so ignorant sees no assault in this case) , them PM thanking Navy chief. I have three words to describe the whole episode. "Nation gone mad"
nadarajah Friday, 16 December 2016 06:02 AM
the government did something very fast and correctly -well done also ensure the increased traffic fines are not changed as proposed in the budget
Citizen Friday, 16 December 2016 10:39 AM
why absorbing economy Pirates Saboteurs via DM Android App
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