Easter attacks cost Colombo Dockyard $50mn: Johnston

It will take Sri Lanka another 25 years to come out of the turmoil it suffered during the past four and a half years

By Yohan Perera 

Colombo Dockyard PLC lost business worth USD 50 million on April 21 immediately after the Easter Sunday bombings went off, Ports and Shipping Minister Johnston Fernando said yesterday.   

Speaking at the launch of two pilot boats by Colombo Dockyard at Colombo  Port, he said he got to know about this loss only after he assumed duties as minister. 
“The previous government made national security a joke. This resulted in Colombo Dockyard losing business worth USD 50 million. This is how the economy collapsed during the previous regime. The bond scam too contributed to the economic downfall. It will take Sri Lanka another 25 years to come out of the turmoil it suffered during the past four and a half years,” he said.  
The two pilot boats that were launched yesterday are 12m and 5.6m in length and travel at a speed of 22 nautical miles per hour. 
State Minister of Ports and Shipping Kanaka Herath, Ministry Secretary M.M.G.K. Mayadunne, SLPA Chairman Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake and Managing Director Captain Athula Hewapathirana participated in the event.