Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara confirms that the Colombo Dockyard lease to an Indian firm poses no disadvantage to Sri Lankans, promising transparency and public interest in all international agreements.
No Public Harm in Colombo Dockyard Lease to Indian Firm, Says Minister Eranga Gunasekara
Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Eranga Gunasekara, has assured that the government’s decision to lease the Colombo Dockyard to an Indian-affiliated company will not disadvantage the Sri Lankan people. Addressing the public during a media briefing in Colombo, the Minister emphasized that the deal will be executed with transparency, public consultation, and national interest at heart.
Gunasekara clarified that while Sri Lanka maintains diplomatic and trade relations globally, the government is not aligned with any one country. Instead, he stressed, the nation must enter into strategic partnerships and agreements to drive economic growth and modernization.
The lease of the Colombo Dockyard, a key maritime asset, had sparked concern regarding foreign control and national sovereignty. Responding to these worries, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed that every step in the agreement would prioritize Sri Lanka’s long-term benefits, especially for workers and local industries connected to the port.
He added that no move will be taken without open dialogue, promising that the public will be kept informed as discussions progress. The deal is expected to enhance operational capacity, attract foreign investment, and potentially boost job creation in the maritime sector.
The assurance comes amid broader debates on foreign involvement in critical Sri Lankan infrastructure. Gunasekara’s remarks appear aimed at calming public fears and reaffirming the government’s commitment to responsible and people-first economic decisions.
