Eastern Terminal privatisation rumours were rejected by Minister Anura Karunathilaka, who says any future investor plan must benefit Sri Lanka.
Eastern Terminal privatisation rumours have been rejected by Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka, who said the government has made no decision to hand over the Colombo Port terminal.
The Minister made the clarification during a special media briefing held at the Government Information Department.
He stressed that no discussions on privatising the Eastern Terminal have taken place within the government, the Ministry of Ports, or the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
Responding to questions about statements reportedly made by the Managing Director of the Ports Authority, the Minister said the Chairman of the Ports Authority had also confirmed that no such plan exists, regardless of individual opinions expressed by others.
Karunathilaka said the government has not taken any policy decision to privatise the terminal. However, he acknowledged that various investment proposals are being submitted and said the government remains open to discussing such proposals with investors.
The Minister further stated that if the government takes a policy decision in the future to award the terminal to an investor, it would be done only after consultation with the public and port employees.
He emphasised that even if such a move were to take place, it would only be implemented under a business plan that delivers maximum benefits to the government, the port, and the people.
