22 January 2021 02:20 pm
Former President Maithripala Sirisena stated that despite requests of control over the Colombo Port's East Terminal by foreign corporations, he did not entertain such requests during his tenure as President.
The former President made these remarks following an event held in Kalutara.
"The Easter Container Terminal (ECT) was requested even while I was President. I stated clearly that that it is not possible. During my tenure as President, I made a vow at the Colombo Port to not let any foreign entity claim ownership of the terminal. It is the same stance borne by the the Sri Lanka Freedom Party as well. Therefore I cannot agree with the plans for the ECT. There were various problems within that government. There were many who expressed interest in this regard too. However I was able to control those efforts as best as I can, during that time," the former President said.