Port City has been ‘stopped’: Govt

13 February 2015 04:20 am - 68 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The government said that the controversial Port City Project–Colombo has been ‘automatically stopped’ as there were many unanswerable questions on the project and many shortcomings in the Environment Impact Assessment Report as well as the feasibility study report.

Speaking to journalists at yesterday’s weekly cabinet news briefing, acting cabinet spokesman, Minister LakshmanKiriella said the government would re-visit and re-negotiate the project based on the mutual consent of both China and Sri Lanka.
“The Port City Project has been automatically stopped as there were so many shortcomings in the EIA report. We must go through it and rectify those shortcomings before re-start the project,” Minister Kiriella stressed.

Commenting on the next week’s official visit to India by President MaithripalaSirisena, Minister Kiriella said that both China and India were close friends and allies of Sri Lanka and had a mutual relationship with Sri Lanka. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

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Comments - 68

Eds Friday, 13 February 2015 07:40 PM

How was your trip from Jupiter to Planet Earth? Was it a pleasant one?

Waco Saturday, 14 February 2015 12:05 AM

Tender was approved and work commenced on the project. If any one wants to stop it get ready for a legal battle with China.

l de Silva Friday, 13 February 2015 11:29 PM

its not stopped was there last weekend work is still continuing on the reclaimed land. naval forces informed that work had started soo after the elections There u go eye wash via DM Android App

Wijesekara Friday, 13 February 2015 10:43 PM

As if those countries have any interest in the economic and social development in SL. For the countries above the more unstable this region, the better it is from a financial and geopolitical point of view!! Look at our own in history and who were biggest weapons suppliers during the first few decades of the war!? THINK FOR YOURSELVES SRI LANKA. DONT LET THE WEST AND INDIA FOOL YOU.

Wijesekara Friday, 13 February 2015 10:35 PM

Get your act together govt. of SL!! Is this project happening or not?. If the project does not go ahead the current partial land reclamation will stand as an eyesore in our capital city as the bit of expressway segment near kelaniya bridge which stood covered in posters for decades.

sach Friday, 13 February 2015 07:46 PM

yeah, but cheena is our biggest supporter when bombs were killing our people and hypocritical west was after us

Eds Friday, 13 February 2015 07:46 PM

You have nothing to worry about a big old thief! No one would vote for him. I mean why would they. Ranil can rest assured!

Eds Friday, 13 February 2015 07:45 PM

We already progressed! Towards the likes of Iraq!

Abdulla Friday, 13 February 2015 07:42 PM

Port CIty is a waste of money. Sri Lankans are paying for China Town. No SRI Lankans can afforrd buy a property in this port city.Even expart Sri Lankans would not stay over there. There might be passport control too. . There are so much space available in Colombo District apart from Colombo City. Only Sea Side of Colombo District are constructed. If government really interested in making space in Colombo then it can remove planes from Ratmalana airport and use its space. There are so much army camps and army, police and airforce residence in Colombo city it can be moved to outskirts of the city. Government can shift Dehiwala zoo to some where else.

Waco Saturday, 14 February 2015 12:14 AM

All parties must get together and prepare " National Development Plan for 20 years ". The Governments can change but every one must implement this plan once approved. All the parties can meet yearly and this plan could be revised every year.

Eds Friday, 13 February 2015 07:16 PM

You should have told this to India, the West and Mister Prabakaran!

ere Friday, 13 February 2015 05:47 PM

patta kathawa

Freebird Friday, 13 February 2015 04:35 PM

Mr 10% is no more there. There will be another 25% very soon. Then project will go without any problem via DM Android App

chandana Friday, 13 February 2015 04:13 PM

so we stop totally china. Then what is the predicted future with, india,united states and united kindom. Can anybody explain.

das Friday, 13 February 2015 03:45 PM

What are these nations?

Veda-mama Friday, 13 February 2015 03:43 PM

CHEENA IS NOT GIVING US GIFTS OR DONATIONS. ALL WHAT THEY OFFER ARE LOANS OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS HAVE TO PAY BACK WITH INTEREST. WHO EVER NEGOTIATE ANY DEAL HAVE TO KEEP THE COUNTRY IN MIND THAN THE INDIVIDUAL POCKETS.

Jayan Friday, 13 February 2015 03:41 PM

One third of the project is already completed. What you fools want to do now? Spend millions and dig again to have things back to former state.

stiffmeister Saturday, 14 February 2015 07:23 PM

These guys are ruining it even more now. Let everything be as it is. The last thing they need is to listen to indians! People who ruined evrything for us.

premawathi james Thursday, 19 February 2015 10:03 AM

A Happy, Prosperous and Harmonious Chinese New Year to All!!Support those who have supported Sri Lanka through thick and thin is what I believe. Not India and Not the West.The West are plunderers. The Americans now tread on plundered land robbed from the original people of that land. The American Indians. Now they like to cover up their guilt by calling them by rosy terms like Native Americans and the Negroes or Blacks: People of Colour and African American etc. "Blood is on your hands and it will never be washed away which ever way you turn!!"Do not support these perennial rogues!! They are a scourge on all of Humankind!! We have ample evidence of it in the countless Indian Invasions of our land right up to the 16th century and the White Invasions thereafter.Look around. China is helping develop several South American countries and also African countries. We are not the country that they are helping in the world!!No man or woman is an island. Especially Not Sri Lanka!!

Waco Sunday, 15 February 2015 08:24 AM

LTTE started the war and we had to defend our country. If there will be a recurrence, we will have defend our country. Do not comment for the sake of commenting.

Waco Sunday, 15 February 2015 08:10 AM

All the culprits will go scot-free. They are well protected even now.

Waco Sunday, 15 February 2015 07:58 AM

Use this money to develop Trincomalee Harbour to the level of an International Standard Commercial Harbour. Make Colombo the Administrative Capital of Sri Lanka.

G.M. Jayawardena Sunday, 15 February 2015 01:47 AM

Dubai and Qatar are blessed with the port cities on reclaimed lands while Sri lanka is very unfortunate for not being able to move on this project. The project is expected to yield millions of dollars through the tourism and 83000 jobs to Srilankans. Sooner or later we may join the list of poorest nations in the world unless the government initiate new venture to bring revenue to the country.

mrmoney Saturday, 14 February 2015 08:33 PM

The Chinese are not stupid, they do have a hidden reason. having the Indian ocean region under them by having, Sri lanka indebted to them. which is an important place. MAY BE THERE ARE OTHERS. How ever, No one is going to pay these loans, not the previous regime or those who were in power. Its we the public and our next generations.

Sri Saturday, 14 February 2015 08:09 PM

But no one goes to China to live or work But every Sri Lankan dream to go and live in Europe , America Australia and Newzeeland including MRs familly

Engineer Saturday, 14 February 2015 08:05 PM

Port city report submitted by Chineese should be published for experts to comment.Why do they hide.They have not said from where they get Rubble for construction. Can we break so much of rocks within a short period?From where they blast this Rocks? Did EIA and PS and Provincial Council approval received for rock blasting?Due to this extra demand of Rocks what will be the impact to general construction such as housing and Roads etc?From where do they mine sands for this?Is it from International waters or Sri lankan Waters?Dear PM you categorically stated in front of Present President at the business forum where I also attended that Port city will be scrapped..Right through out I trusted you as a leader who will bring this country up.Please keep to your word..If this project go ahead a colossal disaster will happend environmentally

Ratne Friday, 13 February 2015 03:12 PM

What is happening to our country ? no long term project is continuing every time the governments changed.lot of large national projects are on hold. and will take a long or may not be continue any further.for all this already spend money and contractors delay charges and other costs to be born by poor nation.it will be a sad story for us.government have to re think about the national important projects better.

Prem Saturday, 14 February 2015 07:16 PM

If Chinese thinks we are Konde Bandappu ( CHEENO ) SRILANKANS they are wrong they cannot fool by giving LOANS and then have their say.

SAM Saturday, 14 February 2015 02:53 PM

Previous government had a good development plan. This government must continue that. No government developed this this country as fast as previous government. All takers must ensure that by end of this year that our growth does not drop below 7%. At this rate looks like it will drop below 5%.

Sara Saturday, 14 February 2015 10:58 AM

As I known , the interest rate of EXIM bank is no more than 2% and we could not find another government as stupid as Chinese gov. to invest huge amount on us.

SAM Saturday, 14 February 2015 09:30 AM

When reduce petrol also environ impact happens, when increase electric car prices also has environmental impact. When building hotels on land side of Galle face also has environmental impact. When build coal power plants also has a huge impact.While trying to finalize Sampoor coal power plant this government is talking about stopping Port City. Any development has an environmental impact.

SAM Saturday, 14 February 2015 09:26 AM

Why do anybody want to stop this project? Its on BOT - Build Operate and Transfer in 99 years. Its not on a loan. We get a free city like Hong Kong in 99 years. China gave worthless land to British 99 years ago and they got back Hong Kong in Return. Now the same way way get a developed city in 99 years. China cannot take this away and go? Now whats wrong with this?

Waco Saturday, 14 February 2015 03:01 AM

Do not permit the following types of trees on plantations or any where else. Because they dry up streams.Torialana, Pine and Gum.

Waco Saturday, 14 February 2015 01:36 AM

These fellows hardly do any thing. See the ministers in other countries, how hard they work. Bring new blood in and get rid of the whole bunch.

Thaya Friday, 13 February 2015 11:46 AM

But China company say otherwise and no opposition from Govt.

Sam S Friday, 13 February 2015 12:29 PM

Just giving words and words and no action. specially dev front. When are you all planning to work on real development. After 100 days? It is all about stopping, suspending, probing, questioning..1/3 of the 100 days are gone and what is the change we are seeing apart from the faces we see on TVs and Newspapers... Pathetic situation and this is the change about 6.2 Mil voted for...

Chris Friday, 13 February 2015 12:22 PM

Policies on the run, not the way forward.

smith henry Friday, 13 February 2015 12:13 PM

It is pathetic to see how cabinet ministers and the PM evade this question by giving contradiction information. According to the cabinet spokesman, the project is going ahead. According to this minister, it has stopped "automatically" whatever that means. According to the PM it is under consideration This bunch of jokers are taking the people of this country for a ride, instead of giving a direct answer.Before the election the present PM promised to stop this project. Honourable PM, please keep your word.

anura Friday, 13 February 2015 12:06 PM

Ah, now you are going to show the world that you are somebody too. When you work out your share with the Chinese project will go ahead. Pathetic politicos who ruin the country!!

Waco Friday, 13 February 2015 12:06 PM

Mr.Lakshman Kiriella, please do not allow Plantation Management Companies to convert the Plantation Bungalows to Hotels or Guest Houses. It is a crime.

Sara Friday, 13 February 2015 12:02 PM

Rajitha says one thing, Laxman says another thing, is it a "Kenda Heliya" or "Accaru Muttiya"

DJ Friday, 13 February 2015 12:00 PM

Highlight to the public the actual cast and who got the commission. Then the people will stop the project

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 13 February 2015 12:00 PM

As long as you give China business on a platter, they will look the other side on any criminality you commit. You just confirmed that.

Waco Friday, 13 February 2015 12:39 PM

If you antagonise China find some one else to support us at the UN. If Sri Lanka were to have a war who will support us?

SENARATNE Friday, 13 February 2015 11:43 AM

KIRIELLA , IN FUTURE PLEASE COME PREPARED FOR A PROPER BRIEF. WHILE YOU CLAIMED THE PROJECT WAS STOPPED, SIRASA NEWS BULLETIN AIRED THE VIDEO CLIP TO SHOW THE PROJECT IS UNDERWAY AS USUAL ADJOINING PORT THE SAME EVENING..

Giabao Friday, 13 February 2015 11:31 AM

hmm but anyone passing galle face can see they are they are automatically working on it. LOL

Senator Friday, 13 February 2015 11:27 AM

You will have to rectify yourself without China at the UN soon.

ANTON Friday, 13 February 2015 11:25 AM

CHEENATA THITHA ???

Sana Friday, 13 February 2015 11:23 AM

I am sure you will negotiate your part to give the approval

Sana Friday, 13 February 2015 11:23 AM

I am sure you will negotiate your part to give the approval

Patriot Friday, 13 February 2015 11:12 AM

Two minsters say two different things!The cabinet spokesperson should be able to explain things well to avoid confusion! Also he/she should have some decency and respect to media!!

rootmeh Friday, 13 February 2015 01:22 PM

I see continuous work of port city as of now. They are misleading the public !!

sanjo Friday, 13 February 2015 03:02 PM

Going against a country who stood by us during the time of need, is utter stupidity. Specially when you do that to please India and the west.Instead of punishing corrupt politicians we are punishing the friends who helped the country.

Waco Friday, 13 February 2015 02:32 PM

They do not know whether they are coming or going. Hand over the country to Genaral Sarath Fonseka, he will do the needful .

calvinbell. Friday, 13 February 2015 02:09 PM

Please do not write things like fools. Every country has ways/ means, rules, protocols, approvals, experts advice to be taken before you take a decision it may be port city or to arrest some one or deport some one.All of you jump the gum before only looking from your angel looking at things. I have no doubt that this President and cabinet will thing correctly.

modaya Friday, 13 February 2015 01:45 PM

That is true. They think only about themselvs.

Esala Friday, 13 February 2015 01:33 PM

Take example from Singapore how many hectares build in sea like our port city. This is for the nation not for SLFP.

Giggles Friday, 13 February 2015 01:25 PM

Great news! This project will destroy the eco system of our country and no sensible government will even attempt it. Why should we do everything the Chinese tell us to do? Have we no backbone or do we really want to play regional politics. If so we should also be prepared for a response.

Humpf Friday, 13 February 2015 01:24 PM

United States of America

Waco Friday, 13 February 2015 01:23 PM

China and Pakistan helped us during and after the war. India did not sell a single weapon to us during the war. These people must understand that.

Ranasinghe Friday, 13 February 2015 11:10 AM

Dancing to the tune of the nations that stood against us in our crisis hour.

Waco Friday, 13 February 2015 01:19 PM

Does he knows the difference between the COP and thr BOP ?

Nalin Friday, 13 February 2015 01:15 PM

Actually why we need port city via DM Android App

Senator Friday, 13 February 2015 01:07 PM

One should not blame China for the corruption in the Sri Lanka governments.China wants business Sri Lanka politicians want commission,which they add to the actual contracted amount and take for themselves.It is these rascals who should be brought to book.

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 13 February 2015 01:02 PM

That is what we need to find not friends who support war, but democratic values, negotiations, understanding and respecting religions and races and plain humanity. If you want to always have war, then best countries are China, Russia, Iran and N. Korea.

Asokamala Friday, 13 February 2015 12:54 PM

Are you talking about bringing back the most corrupt regime in history back to power with the big thief to please China

Nish Friday, 13 February 2015 12:44 PM

Stopping plenty but starting none. How is the country supposed to progress without new projects?

Waco Friday, 13 February 2015 12:42 PM

Desolve the Parliment very soon , we can select much better people to run the country.

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Port City has been ‘stopped’: Govt

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