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Chamal defends MR’s decision to construct airport, port, stadium in Hambantota

13 May 2024 11:09 am - 44 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

Parliament, May 13 (Daily Mirror)- Defending the allegations on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's decisions to construct an international airport, habour and cricket stadium in the Hambantota District, SLPP MP Chamal Rajapaksa said the issue is not the constructions but the failure to develop them as business ventures.

The MP told Parliament that if these constructions were developed as business ventures, it would not be a big issue to bring in dollar revenue to the country.

He said this when Parliamentarian Lalith Ellawala raised a question regarding the construction of the Sooriyawewa cricket stadium in Hambantota.

"Those who supported Mahinda Rajapaksa when he constructed ports, airports and stadiums are now raising these questions. Is Hambantota District not suitable to have these constructions? The then Cabinet decided to construct stadiums covering the whole country," MP Rajapaksa said.

He said several places such as Hingurakgoda, Angunakolapelessa, Puttalam and Matugama were proposed to construct an international airport and said it was finally constructed in Hambantota.

"Ranil Wickremesinghe even laid a foundation stone to construct an airport in Kuda Oya. The issue is not the constructions. These places should be managed properly and developed as business entities. These places were destroyed after 2016 under the Maithripala Government. No one talks about that. A ship carrying about 3,000 to 4,000 tourists arrive at Hambantota port every week," he said.

Comments - 44

Economist Monday, 13 May 2024 11:31 AM

Its location,location and location to develop business. Please shut down Mattala airport. It’s a white elephant. Environmentally killing the fauna and flora.Its a very good paddy store. Well, mistake made. Now rectify it by closing down.

Tissa Fernando Monday, 13 May 2024 05:29 PM

This comment shows stupidity has no limits. Typical NPP thinking.

A Pohottu Supporter Monday, 13 May 2024 11:40 AM

My dear Chamal; Do not try to defend indefensible. Your family destroyed this beautiful country because of sheer greed. The least you can do is shut your mouth and keep quiet. Nearly 20 million people are suffering because of Rajapaksa's greed.

Tissa Fernando Monday, 13 May 2024 05:32 PM

Are you on Diaspora payroll? Was ending a 30 year war ,considered as destruction of the country? Was building airports, highways,etc considered as destruction of the country? Was destroying property by burning considered as development work?

sach Monday, 13 May 2024 09:44 PM

Sri Lanka was doing fine until 2014. After Ranil and MS came to power SL went down in every sphere.

Mahila Tuesday, 14 May 2024 06:43 AM

NOT only R's GREED, but crowned by their INEPTNESS, Pusillanimous attitude and Co-opt others and work in a 'Collegiate Manner', leading to Ill-Advised Conclusions, Decisions, thus ENABLING Ill-Conceived Projects, and NOT in the NATIONAL INTEREST, but Self Serving Politically!!?? Most Importantly Robbing and Looting Loans!!!??? Less said about this sibling is the best, as he was the person Chaired the Sri Lankan Airways Tender, accepting A-350 Plane fleet (≈10 aircraft), prior to 2014 election, which had to be cancelled due lack of Funding/Lease facility, due downgrading Credit Rating resulting additional Payment for DEFAULT of Contract Sri Lankan was forced to pay during Yahapalanaya Government in USD Millions, again “Borrowed Money” – No Fault of Yahapalanaya!!!???

Trf Monday, 13 May 2024 11:47 AM

Great... You built a heavy goods transhipment port for one cruise liner to visit

Mahila Tuesday, 14 May 2024 05:02 PM

Must Check and verify, where the BRAIN is installed!? Most probably "wrong or Incorrect" PLACE, causing constriction of sufficient Blood supply to Brain!! NOT functioning as desired OR Brain MISPLACED/LOST!? What for the telling??? Election Time “Denga-Linga” SELLAM-TIME!!?? Totally confused at TURN OF EVENTS!!?? “APALA-LAGNA” Manifestation!!!???

Mandayan Monday, 13 May 2024 11:49 AM

Rajaguru of the useless gang who pilfered the nation. Aiya, mallies still in politics to seek opportunities for further chances. Hambantota and Maththala are not being used annd not generating any revenues and that speak for themselves.

asisrith Monday, 13 May 2024 11:51 AM

Is there enough joke when papa king said we must not sell national asset now the papa clan is backing the decision to build empty airports, stadiums and conference halls which are collecting dust and grass !!!!!! Seriously does this country have such intelligent voters ya???? Believing all these jokers blabbering... wonder of asia or whole world !!!!!

Cloy Monday, 13 May 2024 12:01 PM

Finally someone has spoken the truth. The yahapa govt did not have even a clue how to market these ventures as a profitable entities. Hence they became white elephants. The bashers of these constructions do have only one thing: Hammering MR for everything. That's all!

It’s Was All About Greed And Status Tuesday, 14 May 2024 05:43 AM

Have you been to Hambantota area? Just a few hundred thousand buildings within a 100km radius. When they started these projects, SL was still recovering from the war and hardly any funds to improve the existing depleted infrastructures of healthcare and transportation facilities which millions use's everyday. The amount of loans taken for Hambantota should have been to used to improve the existing 2 main airports -BIA and Ratmalana plus other existing depleted infrastructures. Once these were done and if they were able to get new loans, start gradually to add new mega projects like Mattala airport etc subjected SL was financial stable. What they did was new projects in Hambantota and left the others rotting away. These politicians don’t use public facilities and have access to private or overseas facilities using ill gotten wealth during their term in office. Commissions were required on most projects that Japan did not pay for those asking for it.

Last chance Monday, 13 May 2024 12:02 PM

Both have robbed the country together so both have to be together till the end

Onlooker Monday, 13 May 2024 12:06 PM

What a stupid argument. Was not a feasibility study done initially on these to determine that they developed as business ventures. The cabinet endorsed anything you and your brothers wanted. Only criterion was that it SHOULD be Hambantota and your gang can get the commission from the Chinese - not a single contract to Japan or USA or EU - why?

Fox Monday, 13 May 2024 12:39 PM

Construction was not the issue. How they were run and managed by Namal as if it were his private projects, the self appointed project manager of all projects, where all contractors had to blow smoke up on his ass on monetary matters and approvals

Nadi Karunaratne Monday, 13 May 2024 12:56 PM

Delusional. Face up to the mistakes you have made, the lives you have blighted, the nepotism, arrogance and plunder. Ignorant, greedy people, without morals and decency who without politics would have been less than mediocre.

Mahila Tuesday, 14 May 2024 05:34 PM

THE “LOTT” entire family and in-Laws, Henchaiyas too inclusive, WAS NEVER ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHATEVER THEY DID WITH PUBLIC FUNDS!!?? At least, accept, you ROBBED and SEEK forgiveness from the PUBLIC, whose Money and wealth it was!?

Athanayake Monday, 13 May 2024 01:14 PM

It is a pity that Mahinda Rajapakse did not build a Port and an Airport on the moon while the money from the Chinese financiers flowed freely into his pocket.

ANNECUNT Monday, 13 May 2024 01:40 PM

A CORRUPT PERSON WILL ALWAYS DEFEND ANOTHER CORRUPT PERSON

Buddhist Tuesday, 14 May 2024 03:13 AM

No, This is what we call as 'Blood is thicker than water'! OR should we say 'All roads lead to Rome'. Rome here is family corruption.

Bankrupt Since Civil War Days Monday, 13 May 2024 01:48 PM

This what happens when uneducated are allowed to practice politics. All Govnt’s have been taking loans for decades and no prudence in controlling expenses. Constructed mega projects to suite them and Most benefited by being corrupt too. The people's and country’s wellbeing were never taken into consideration. Look at crumbling healthcare and transport facilities for many years with no continuous upgrading and replacements. All the loans taken were for these none Immediate income generating projects. Most Governments around the world will initiate mega projects if current facilities are insufficient. But SL will construct mega infrastructures first and look for demand later. So during the interim period, No Revenue collected. Remember, SL has been Bankrupt since the civil war days with heavy borrowings and getting freebies from develop countries for health facilities, military, transport etc like shameless beggars!

Gamini Monday, 13 May 2024 01:59 PM

Chamal must have counted all the ships sailing by and thought they were anchoring at Hambantota. Where do we have 3000-4000 tourist every day landing at Hambantota

Playing Pandu Monday, 13 May 2024 02:06 PM

Your party has majority in the parliament why dont you push for it. also why don't you publish the feasibility study you did that showed these assets could be a flourishing businesses?. you can't fool the people all the time don't think everyone is stupid like the southerners.

DW from the UK Monday, 13 May 2024 02:09 PM

The bottom line is that they made decisions without consulting professionals. There was no cost and benefit analysis. Where are the reports? Which professionals went through those reports before making the decision? Did they get opinion and voice from the public as well just like they do in developed countries. It was all MR's one man show.

Nimal Monday, 13 May 2024 02:10 PM

These three structures and also the convention centre, apart from being white elephants, stand as proud monuments to the stupidity of the rulers who constructed them.

Vadivelu Yogaratnam Monday, 13 May 2024 02:26 PM

How much commission Mr Rajapaksa got from all three projects.

ANNECUNT Monday, 13 May 2024 07:20 PM

BILLIONS AND BILLIONS ALL IN FOREIGN BANKS ENOUGH FOR 3 GENERATIONS. MR GOT MARRIOTT HOTEL IN DUBAI

Duminda Monday, 13 May 2024 02:29 PM

The simple fact is all those Rajapakshas are a curse for this country. Dumb ass people enjoying it now.

Umma Oya Monday, 13 May 2024 02:54 PM

Your Umma Oya project another failure ?

Jagath Leanage Monday, 13 May 2024 02:56 PM

Naturally, he should protect his brother . Afterall he too would have pockete out of it.

Intiquab Ghouse Monday, 13 May 2024 03:09 PM

Why did not they make use of Koggala, all the southern hotels, railway and free trade industries are located,why British thought it was the best place,

S. Samarakoon Monday, 13 May 2024 03:15 PM

Give a few more years.... Would have built a Port in Kandy !!

ROSH Monday, 13 May 2024 03:23 PM

Excellent news we need to build more stadiums

Ganesh Monday, 13 May 2024 04:32 PM

There is something called as a feasibility study. Unfortunately those who did this only massaged the ego of a megalomaniac. Never thought about the repercussions. I still remember the discussion GR had with so called experts about the MRT rail funded by the Japanese government. Wherein some pandit said it doesn't allow people to carry goods hence it doesn't fit Sri Lanka. MRT is never meant to carry goods. Unfortunately, we are still paying for these misdeeds and will continue to do so till we have such scoundrels in parliament.

Cherath Monday, 13 May 2024 06:03 PM

Ganesh - Very correct! In the Skytrain you only carry your brief case not sacks of Onions!

Nihal S Monday, 13 May 2024 05:05 PM

Do not try to defend your brother, he is the biggest thief of post 1948 Ceylon. These investments were based on commission to your family, nothing else. Have you seen the Business Plan for the cricket ground?

Nagapalan Thugan Monday, 13 May 2024 05:47 PM

This Pin Gon all Rajapassas are still surviving and talking in public while taking Pin Panson from poor man!

Sensible person Monday, 13 May 2024 06:26 PM

Next time, have few Tamils in the committee to decide on mega projects. If only you all had one Tamil economist/ accountant/ banker, these three white elephants wouldn’t have gone ahead. The nation would have been protected from bankruptcy

sach Monday, 13 May 2024 09:45 PM

Sri Lanka was doing fine until 2014. In fact, the best years after post independence was when MR was in power. MS and RW government which came in 2015 ruined Sri Lanka beyond repair.

Mahila Tuesday, 14 May 2024 05:40 PM

B___ EXCRETA SHOULD BE SERVED FOR DINNER - TO IMPROVE YOUR BRAIN FUNCTION!!?? YOU ARE TRYING TO BURY "WHOLE PUMPKIN", IN PLATE OF RICE!!!???

Send the rajapakses to jail Monday, 13 May 2024 11:21 PM

Another moron from a family of Rajapakse buffoons. Should the business model for the port, airport and cricket stadium have been validated first before building the same with borrowed funds?

Abd Tuesday, 14 May 2024 06:50 AM

All those are non viable projects,their true value much less than amount which spent, why these bayiyyas not refer feasibility report, prior to initiating projects,those projects had two intentions,one in get commission and bribes second use as image building of rulers

Prof. Milton Balasooriya Tuesday, 14 May 2024 08:37 AM

Hay old man without memory don't utter nonsense. Your brother Mahinda earned so many millions as commission on these projects, this itself a loss. Moreover, ask from our cricketers they will say a Cricket ball will be seen as a Football at night. What a waste, for this the whole Rajapakshe family is responsible and to be cursed lifetime.

Mahila Tuesday, 14 May 2024 05:24 PM

Prof., These Cavemen devoid of entertainment in the 'WANANTHARA' they, inhabit as their ‘ABODE’, just wanted "some" ENTERTAINMENT, to 'TICKLE and TITILIATE' their senses!!?? So, tried to have Cricket Stadium, they may be well entertained to get over the Monotony of "Hambe-Tota", by some hireling Cricketers at Taxpayers’ expense!!? Their MENTAL AGILITY IS UTTERLY WANTING, for them to realise, such is not GOOD ETIQUETTE!!?? They claim and assert, haven’t done anything UNTOWARD OR CRIMINAL!!!??? If denied this small escapade, they’ll be compelled to “Go Pig-Shooting” as one of the siblings have an affinity to Masquerade as ‘ELIMINATOR of PIGS that SHIT’!? especially, Journalistic Pigs that Shit! Ignorance is so Pervasive, Just forgive and Pardon them!!?? May the Good and Merciful Lord in all his glory, Bless and Protect them for Posterity’s SAKE!!!???

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Chamal defends MR’s decision to construct airport, port, stadium in Hambantota

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