Ruwan Wijewardene, State Defence Minister dismised the alligations made by former President Mahinda Rajapakse, that the navy was sent to sabotage the Hambantota protest and it was a deliberate act to tarnish the Navy's image.

“I completely refute former president Mahinda Rajapakse's accusation,” State Minister said. 

He further said that the Navy was deployed to the Hambantota port to secure and release two ships that were held captive by the protesters. 

The ships were of Japanese and Singaporean origin. 

“When ships are held captive, that amounts to piracy and the navy has the right to use the appropriate force needed to secure the ships in such a situation,” he added.

He also stated that there was a genuine threat of sabotage not only to the two ships but also to the oil tanks situated near the port.

A group of employees attached to the Hambantota Port demonstrated for nine consecutive days demanding authorities to ensure them job security as the government prepares to lease the Port on shared basis to a Chinese firm. The protestors also restrained two vessels including a Japanese vessel during the demonstration.

However Navy intervened and secured the two vessels. The local agent of the Japanese company in a letter to the Navy Commander said, Navy’s timely intervention regained the confidence of the international company.

It said, “If not for your direction and the action by the Sri Lanka Navy, there would have been an irreparable loss caused to the reputation of Sri Lanka as a safe destination for the international shipping community.”