Namal-Nalin in verbal clash over H’tota oil refinery

26 March 2019 05:44 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A heated argument erupted in Parliament yesterday between Hambantota District UPFA Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and Deputy Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Nalin Bandara over the Hambantota-Oman Oil Refinery.

Speaking during the committee stage debate in the House, MP Rajapaksa said the cabinet had given the approval for the project in November 2016 though the Singaporean Company Silver Park pvt Ltd has been established in June 2017. He said 400 acres have been given to the company despite this situation.

Also MP Rajapaksa questioned as to whether an environment assessment study on the project was carried out. “It is said that the oil refinery will affect the movement of birds in Boondala sanctuary while the proposed cement factory could affect the salterns. Have you done the environment assessment study and did you consider all these? he questioned.

Deputy Minister Bandara said everything about the projects are legal. “The BOI and our ministry had followed all rules and regulations when finalizing the project,” Mr. Bandara said. He said projects would be fully operational in 18 months.

MP Rajapaksa: A foundation stone was laid near the Hambantota harbour whereas the Prime Minister said that there was a rock. No discussions were initiated with the relevant companies. The Prime Minister laid a foundation stone for nothing. You all have given approval for a company that was not established. No environment report was taken. This is an eye wash. People are going to be deceived targeting elections. Who is the investor? Tell us clearly.

Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara raised a question and said: The investor is in India. When the Oil Minister from Oman came, they had become excited.

(Pandemonium within the House)

MP Rajapaksa: Don’t take my time.

Leader of the House Laxman Kiriella: Give him three more minutes. Please give him the time.

Chair: All right, now speak.

Dy Minister Nalin Bandara: They made the harbour for breeding fish. The cement factory will come within 18 months. We are going to convert your white elephant into an elephant that is going in a procession. A tyre factory is in the offing. The first tyre will be given to you free of charge. We are going to establish a steel factory in Trincomalee as well.

(Disturbance from the opposition)

Opposition members:

Sadhu… Sadhu… Sadhu…. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

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Comments - 10

Jude Tuesday, 26 March 2019 08:15 AM

Its ironic Namal very concerned of Bundala Birds Sanctuary!!!??? However, the famous Siblings are Prime Suspects for Ruggerite's Murder!!!??? Huh !!! This is HYPOCRISY at best !!!

RytA Tuesday, 26 March 2019 08:18 AM

This is the problem, when whichever government initiates some good move opposition drags the feet, hope Namal is joking

Venom Tuesday, 26 March 2019 08:23 AM

What does Namal know about the birds and the bees? Else he would have opposed his appachchi's airport and harbor too!

Jaliya Tuesday, 26 March 2019 08:26 AM

Oil refinery is a bogus project. Which idiot will invest 3.8B in Sri Lanka ? If the investor didn't have the funds to conduct a feasibility and an environmental study, he certainly does not have any funds for an investment. Publish the current assets of the investor ... so we can determine the truth. There is a limit to lies, in sri lanka it is a general practice to lie and deceive public. If I was the pretended oil minister, the Indian joker who dressed up in a Halloween costume, I would be excited too !!

Thomas D'Souza Tuesday, 26 March 2019 08:33 AM

Way to go Sri Lanka ! DEVELOPMENT! DEVELOPMENT! DEVELOPMENT! Screw the Opposition - Move on to make Sri Lanka the pearl of the Indian Ocean! A paradise for one and all.........

Thomas D'Souza Tuesday, 26 March 2019 08:42 AM

I am a Mechanical Engineer and have 40 years of Refining experience all over the world and now live a retired life in Colombo. Will love to donate my expertise to help build this Refinery! Will impart my knowledge to train young Sri Lankan Engineers as part of giving back to society.......

pradeep Tuesday, 26 March 2019 09:16 AM

did your father conduct an environment assessment before constructing the ports and airport. Doesn't the airport affect the birds that you now seem to be concerned about????

dulan de Silva Tuesday, 26 March 2019 09:19 AM

Namal what environment study did your govt do to start Norachali , Hambantota airport etc

Ranjan Tuesday, 26 March 2019 11:07 AM

VW 2.

George Harry Tuesday, 26 March 2019 06:55 PM

Nalin means once again the Tyre culture is back after R. Premadasa introduced in 1988 to char-alive his political enemies.

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Namal-Nalin in verbal clash over H’tota oil refinery

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