The government says no change has been made to the decision to maintain the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
Speaking in Parliament regarding the East Terminal Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Hesha Withanage said he hopes the issue has been solved, despite government MPs claiming the Port must be vested with an Indian firm.
He said such statements were being made in public as such persons receive commissions through the deal.
MP Withanage called for all factions to come together and propose a national policy to prevent local assets being sold to foreigners adding that failing which both factions will continue to level allegations at one another.
Responding to claims State Minster Ajith Nivard Cabraal said the government vowed not to sell local assets to foreign nations.
Despite differed opinions among the ruling party, the State Minster stressed a final call on the matter will be taken by the country’s leaders.
In addition, Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena recalled that negotiations with foreign investors were completed, for the benefit of the country and not for other parties.
Minister Abeygunawardena claimed Sri Lanka withdrew from the accord and confirmed that ownership of the East terminal will not change, while claiming that investors will be called for the West Terminal.