Rajitha Senarathna speech at Hambantota

Minister Rajitha Senarathne today revealed that the Hambantota Port project was sanctioned by the United National Party led government in 2002. Speaking during the Southern Development Project inauguration ceremony in Hambantota today, Minister Senarathne dismissed all demonstrations against the project saying it has become a norm to demonstrate against new projects. Minister Senarathne said the project will support the development of the area adding issue of unemployment will resolved. The Minister said the feasibly study for the Hambantota Port was sanctioned in 2002 however stressed that the United People’s Freedom Alliance led government failed to stringently implement the project. He said the Hambantota port and the Mattala Airport have now become a burden to the public. Minister Senarathne said the government initiated a joint venture with the Chinese government to ease the debt burden.