After lengthy discussions in the presence of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Cabinet gave the go ahead for the proposed joint venture between the Government and China Merchants International Ltd for the Hambantota Port Project, Daily Mirror learns.

The Government has also appointed a top level committee headed by Minister Sarath Amunugama and some key ministers to work out the criteria for implementation the sorting out of any snags that might arise.

The committee comprises Ministers Mahinda Amaraweera, Malik Samarawickrama, Ravi Karunanayake, Sagala Ratnayake, Susil Premajayantha, Patali Champika Ranawaka among some others.

Acting Ports and Shipping Minister Nisantha Muthuhettigama had said he had some reservations about the project. The original agreement was in conflict with the Sri Lanka Ports Authorities Act. (Kelum Bandara)