Ranil blasts FT over its reporting, likens FT to toilet paper

17 November 2016 09:35 am - 27 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday was critical of Daily FT News paper of the Wijeya Newspapers Limited, over two opinion articles in Wednesday's issue on Government plans for Hambantota port and offers of tabs to students, likening the country's only national business daily to cheaper than toilet paper.

Referring to the opinion piece on Hambantota Port, (Sale of Hambantota Port – A fair deal?) the Premier clarified that there was no sale but only a lease arrangement.

He claimed no one was selling the port but said the plan was to invite China Merchant to buy 80% of shares of Hambantota port for $ 1.1 billion, which would help the Balance of Payments.

The Prime Minister told the Business Today Awards that the country had got a white elephant port costing $ 1.3 billion for which debt has to be serviced. He said what is proposed was a better alternative than increasing more taxes to pay off debt. He said already there were many offers for new ventures in Hambantota such as an oil refinery, a dockyard, a cement plant and a LNG power plant.

The Premier was also critical of the opinion piece focusing on 2017 Budget move on granting tabs for students (Can tabs do what PCs or bricks could not do for education) saying FT was even opposing that move when it was beneficial for all, rather than being exclusive resources limited only to the wealthy.

He concluded his comments on FT stating "Any way (such reporting) will help the FT to increase its circulation. I have asked the Finance Minister to put a 800% tax on Toilet paper, because FT will be the alternative."

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Comments - 27

ala Thursday, 17 November 2016 12:19 PM

Truth hurts isn't it? No need to go on the offensive if what you are doing is correct. The people with judge you end of day.

Nihal Wednesday, 23 November 2016 02:36 PM

it is not surprising that He does not know the difference between the two !!

rew Friday, 18 November 2016 03:36 PM

Maniac

Gayan Friday, 18 November 2016 08:55 AM

Mr clean???.

Dan Friday, 18 November 2016 07:56 AM

This is "Inguru deela Miris Gaththa Wage"...also another appropriate saying.."Kokage Sudha Penne Igilena Vitalu"....ha..ha...

Manushya Friday, 18 November 2016 04:39 AM

What is the point in giving tabs free of charge if you charge massive taxes on using internet?

Naman Friday, 18 November 2016 01:36 AM

Mr.R.W. was protected by M.R. during the UNP leadership challenges by other senior UNP members. Now it is his turn to protect the entire M.R. Clan from any legal challenges.Corruption still continues.

Jeff Thursday, 17 November 2016 10:25 PM

Did you forget the words used by Mara towards journalist?

Citizen Thursday, 17 November 2016 09:47 PM

Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first drive them mad.

Jayasingha Thursday, 17 November 2016 06:26 PM

There is only an invitation for a China company to buy 80% of shares of Hambantota port as per the PM. We will wait and see if the invitation is accepted. If not we are in big trouble.

alagudus Thursday, 17 November 2016 01:22 PM

molayakda alayakda?. how come such china invest such massive money without basis infrastructure facility such as hambantota port.

ANTON Thursday, 17 November 2016 01:03 PM

MIND YOUR LANGUAGE BOSS, DON'T INSULT MY ALMA MATER.

rosebud Thursday, 17 November 2016 01:00 PM

Such arrogance is not becoming of an elected servant of the people. via DM Android App

Premalal Thursday, 17 November 2016 12:49 PM

Do you have an opinion on the plunder of the Central Bank and your members selling their vehicle permits?

words Thursday, 17 November 2016 10:28 AM

gosh.. someone please give this cry baby a pacifier via DM Android App

DHA Thursday, 17 November 2016 12:06 PM

Mr. PM criticism will always come when ones on power but please be more professional in addressing your accusers....

ANTON Thursday, 17 November 2016 11:56 AM

I THINK TOILET PAPERS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY OTHER PAPER, .... IT PREVENTS THE UNBEARABLE FOUL - SMELLING , THAT IS ALL WHAT HAPPENED.

wtf Thursday, 17 November 2016 11:42 AM

Talkin about media freedom?? This guy is such a JOKER!!

Lalindra Thursday, 17 November 2016 11:40 AM

The Hon Prime-minister should surely know there's a difference between selling a 80% stake and that of a lease.He should also realise that shooting the messenger is not the solution when the questionable decisions of the government are exposed.

Jude Thursday, 17 November 2016 11:23 AM

Well, gone are the days Media and Media Personal follow Ethics!!!!

Jeff Thursday, 17 November 2016 11:21 AM

Well said Sir!

cheers Thursday, 17 November 2016 11:02 AM

What have you built or what have you done to the country nothing but you can boast robbing the central bank and selling all sri lanka assets and bringing instability to the country which is hard won peace

BK Thursday, 17 November 2016 11:01 AM

He was supposed to be the guardian of free media by the people cherished this Santa Clause government.When things do not come his way he is more like 'Choppe'.

Kalusudda Thursday, 17 November 2016 10:54 AM

Wash, don't wipe.

Harith Thursday, 17 November 2016 10:51 AM

Wow great language by the Prime Minister of the country. So he uses newspapers as an alternative for toilet paper?

Madiya Thursday, 17 November 2016 10:50 AM

With the bond scandal haunting him, he is very nervous. We will teach him and MR a lesson or two at the next provincial election.

Kaboos Thursday, 17 November 2016 10:40 AM

Mr Clean you are loosing your patience . Words are under your control before you speak.

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Ranil blasts FT over its reporting, likens FT to toilet paper

Comments - 27

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