Govt. Preparing For Parliamentary Debate Over Hambantota Deal: Subcommittee To Provide Roadmap

The government, responding to accusations that there was an attenpt to hide information relating to the Hambantota Port deal,  said it was willing to facilitate a debate on the deal in Parliament.

A senior Cabinet minister of the government said it had no need to hide any document and was more than prepared to debate the deal in Parliament.

“Every document would be presented to the Cabinet as well as to Parliament before the signing of the agreement. Nothing would be done behind the curtains,” the Minister assured.

He said there was no truth in allegations that the Hambantota Port Concessionary Agreement had not been referred to the Parliamentary Oversight Committee.

Meanwhile, a Cabinet subcommittee has been appointed to provide a “road map” for the implementation of the Hambantota Port Development Project.

The sub committee will also monitor how the Chinese company adheres to the provisions of the Concession Agreement and ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the process.

Special Projects Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugam chairs the committee while ministers Susil Premajayantha, Arjuna Ranatunga, Malik Samarawickrema and Ravi Karunanayake function as members.