President, PM in heated argument over East Terminal
President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had a heated argument, at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, over the East Terminal of the Colombo port to India, according to well informed sources.
Responding to a query, sources said that the PM had brought to the notice of the President that India was interested in the terminals, but the latter had said the East Terminal would be given to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
The Cabinet meeting preceded that of the National Economic Council at the Presidential Secretariat. PM Wickremesinghe did not attend the NEC, chaired by President Sirisena.
Tempers flared after Ports and shipping Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe tabled a Cabinet paper that dealt with port development.
PM Wickremesinghe revealed India’s interest in the East Terminal. That prompted Sirisena to express serious concern over foreign involvement in everything.
President Sirisena, then revealed that he had already informed India that the East Terminal wouldn’t be given to it and if it wanted a terminal it could look at the West Terminal and make the required investment.
During the meeting President Sirisena mentioned the arrest of an Indian national allegedly involved in assassination plot targeting the President and wartime Defence Secretary, sources said.
Sources pointed out that there had been no consensus between the UNP and the SLFP over the development of the Palaly airport with the latter declaring Sri Lanka would handle the project with the SLAF tasked to lay new runway.
(Source: The Island)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka President honors Navy, calls for unity in nation-building December 14, 2025
- Sri Lanka President pledges protection of fishermen’s rights amid Mannar crisis December 14, 2025
- Man arrested at Katunayake Airport with over 2 Kg of heroin December 14, 2025
- Sri Lankan President orders swift livelihood restoration for disaster-hit communities December 13, 2025
- Sri Lanka receives over USD 7 Billion in remittances in 2025 December 13, 2025
Ha Ha,
Yahapalana Tantrums.
Why the hell did the UNP get into bed with the cut-throat SLFPers?
Bull fight. Bufferlow and a Cow.
Why all these arguments?
Only one reason; the Gamrala wants to continue in the Golden Chair while the Agamathi Thuma wants the Golden Chair as a reward for his 40 years of political service.
The members of the R family want the Golden Chair too; they know what tastes; Lamborghini, Royal Family Horses, night races in Dalada Maligawa, hotel complexes in Dubai etc etc.
The Gamrala wants the Golden Chair to expand his family fortunes from Polonnaruwa Rice Milling to industry and IT and overseas collaboration and Marketing and Adverting.
The R family, leave them alone; they know what the Golden Chair tastes like.
Only sincere person in the Field in Ranil W; no corruption, no komis; only an intention to leave behind a lasting legacy.