The government has not yet made a decision regarding the sale or transfer of the Eastern Container Terminal at the Colombo Port, said Bimal Rathnayake, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation.
He made these remarks in response to questions from journalists concerning media reports suggesting plans for the privatization of the facility.
With an annual revenue nearing USD 200 million, critical strategic institutions like these are expected to be safeguarded by the current government, raising questions among reporters about the government's commitment to maintaining control over such lucrative assets.
Addressing these inquiries, Rathnayake clarified that as he is not the Minister directly overseeing port operations, detailed statements about administrative matters should ideally come from the relevant authority.
Nonetheless, he assured that no decision has been taken by the government regarding the privatization of the terminal.
"The Eastern Terminal is a highly valuable national asset. Managing it entails significant responsibility. It’s pertinent to recognize that the port industry is one of the most competitive sectors globally, which demands modern technology. However, the government has yet to make any decisions regarding the privatization of this terminal. I am unsure how such news reaches the media," he added.
Highlighting the potential for misinformation stemming from misleading reports, Rathnayake pointed out that it is imperative for the media to fulfill its primary responsibility of conveying accurate information to the public.
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