Hiccups will be overcome:

Southern Expressway in keeping with international standards – Rohitha Abeygunawardene

By Uditha KUMARASINGHE

Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardene said when compared with other expressways in Asia, the Government has been able to construct the Southern Expressway with standards similar to expressways in European countries. The Minister in an interview with the Sunday Observer said the expressway is an innovative as far as Sri Lankans are concerned as this is the first expressway to be opened in Sri Lanka. When this massive project of this magnitude is implemented, there will certainly shortcomings due to weather conditions and various other reasons. It would be opened after rectifying all these shortcomings. The UNP cannot find any issue, therefore they drag minor shortcomings about the Southern expressway to gain undue political advantage and make a mountain out of a molehill.

The Deputy Minister said construction of the first break water of the Colombo Port commenced in 1874 and it look 10 years to complete. At present, the Colombo South Port Development project is also underway, the Colombo port which commenced construction in 1874 is still incomplete, even in 2011. the implementation of a port development project is a national responsibility and it has to be upgraded in keeping with the times. If such a long period had been taken to build the Colombo port, the Opposition should be happy about the initiative taken by the government to complete the first stage of the Hambantota Port within a short period of three years. But the Opposition levels baseless allegation about the project due to their hypocrisy.

He said even today attempts are being made by the pro-LTTE Tamil diaspora to destabilise the country and create mayhem here, to gain undue advantage. This is a country where all communities can live in peace and harmony. Though we are divided according to race and religion, we are all Sri Lankans. Wherever we go, we are recognised as Sri Lankans. Our prime responsibility should be to create the necessary environment that is conducive for all communities to live as members of one family-as Sri Lankans. The Government is also trying its best to reach this goal.

Q: When will the Hambantota port be fully operational?

A: The Hambantota port has to be completed in three stages. At present 95 percent of construction under the first stage has already been completed and the Government has spent US$ 361 million. Under the first stage, the construction of a common amenities terminal, service terminal, new oil terminal, dolphin craft anchorage, breakwater and water basin are complete.

Arrangements have also been made to commence the second stage of the project in the near future. However, operations of the port are underway. To conduct operations, agreements have already been signed with four companies and cabinet approval has also been granted.

These four companies have pledged to invest US$ 676.86 million to commence industries. Twenty seven companies are willing to establish industries within the Hambantota port premises. Of them four companies have been given approval. The Government upto now has spent US$ 361 million for the first stage of the port. The four private sector investors have spent US$ 676.86 million.

I think no private investor will make such a massive investment if it is doomed to fail. This is a perfect example of how private sector investors have placed their confidence in the Hambantota Port Development Project. We would be able to turn Hambantota port into a key contributor to our economy shortly.

Q: The Hambantota port is a national pride. How are you going to meet Opposition arguments that there is no regular flow of ships?

A: This shows the ignorance and lack of understanding of the Opposition about this project. The construction of the first break water in Colombo port in 1874. It took 10 years to complete it. At present the Colombo South Port Development project is under construction.

The Colombo port which commenced construction in 1874 is still under construction in 2011. The implementation of a port development project is a national responsibility and it has to be upgraded in keeping with the times. If such a long period was taken to build the Colombo port, the Opposition should be happy about the initiative taken by the Government to complete the first stage of the Hambantota port within a short period of three years. But the Opposition levels baseless allegations due to their hypocrisy. The Hambantota port will strengthen the country’s economy.

Q: The Opposition has been accusing the Government for not conducting a feasibility study before venturing into the massive Hambantota Port Development Project. Is there any truth in it?

A: I responded to an adjournment motion moved by the UNP in Parliament on this matter. Even when the UNP MP who moved that adjournment motion did not know then that the UNP Government had conducted a feasibility study in 2003 with the consultation of Lavulin International to construct the Hambantota port at this same spot. It was estimated that the first stage will be completed at a cost of US$ 645 million.

We also obtained the same feasibility study report from Ramboll company in 2008 and completed the first stage of the project at a cost of US$ 360 million. Today Hambantota port is an asset and is a state owned institution. According to the plan drawn up by the UNP, arrangements had been made to give 60 percent shares of Hambantota Port to Lavulin International and the Government had only 40 percent shares. If anybody poses a challenge, I would like to come for an open debate as I am equipped with all the details of these two feasibility reports.

Q: What are the economic benefits of having a network of ports around the island such as Colombo, Hambantota, Oluvil and Point Pedro?

A: In the past all transactions took place through the Colombo port. We are living in an island as a result, Sri Lanka has become a key marine hub. All international shipping agencies use Sri Lanka as a focal point, we should be able to provide necessary services and transit facilities.

The Colombo port alone has no ability to fulfil these requirements. The Hambantota port can contribute as it is very close to the sea route. The intention of the Government is to bring the Colombo and Hambantota ports to international standard and use other ports as feeding ports.

In future, these feeding ports will be used to transport goods to Colombo and Hambantota and also to conduct the import-export process. It will help reduce a large amount of money spent to transport goods to Colombo and Hambantota ports via the land route.

History tells us that transportation of goods had been mainly conducted via sea route. History reveals that there were 62 small harbours in our country. After the end of terrorism, many shipping companies have joined hands with the Government to commence operations in Sri Lanka.

Q: What are the objectives of the new Colombo South Port Development Project? What is the progress?

A: Nearly 95 percent of work of the Colombo South Port Development Project has already been completed. We would be able to commence operations of the first terminal by the latter part of 2012.

Q: With a ferry to India already running and more cruise ships coming, there is a need for better passenger terminals at the Colombo and even Galle port. How are you progressing in this regard?

A: We have already renovated and upgraded the passenger terminal in the Colombo port by converting it to a place similar to a mini airport.

It has the capacity to meet the present demand.

The Government with the assistance of JAICA has made arrangements to convert Galle port into a tourist port.

The intention of the Ministry is to establish passenger terminals in Trincomalee and some other ports by enabling passenger vessels to reach these harbours. I also hope to introduce an internal cruise within the country which will be operated from port to port covering Colombo, Galle, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee, Oluvil and Hambantota ports.

Q: India recently ordered 62 boats for the Indian Navy from Sri Lanka. How do you plan to further consolidate Sri Lanka’s ship building and repair industry?

A: At present the ship building and repair is mainly conducting at the Colombo Dockyard. The Ministry has decided to set up dockyards in Hambantota and Trincomalee Ports as well. These projects will commence without having an adverse effect the environment.

Q: The Southern Expressway is to be opened shortly. But there are serious allegations against low quality performance by contractors and others in charge. What have you got to say about this ?

A: This is an innovative experience for Sri Lankans as this is the first expressway to be opened in Sri Lanka. There maybe some shortcomings. This project is not handled by a single company. The construction of the expressway is handled by several companies. All these companies are reputed companies in the construction of expressways.

When projects of this magnitude are implemented, some minor mistakes may occur due to weather conditions and other reasons. We have to open the expressway after rectifying these shortcomings. If there is any shortcoming it will be borne by the company in charge of the section of the project. The UNP does not have any issue to take up.

Therefore they attempt to drag any small shortcoming of the Southern expressway to take undue political advantage. I would like to say compared with other expressways in Asia, the government has been able to construct the Southern Expressway similar to standards maintained by expressways in European countries. However, the government will open this expressway to the public after overcoming all the shortcomings.

Q: What is the progress of the Colombo-Katunayake expressway? What are the other expressways that have been planned?

A: The intention of the Government is to complete the construction of the Colombo-Katunayake expressway as planned. At present there is traffic congestion on the Colombo-Katunayake road. We have to ease traffic congestion on this road as it connects the Bandaranaike International Airport.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed relevant officials of the Highways Ministry to conduct feasibility studies to minimise traffic congestion in all major cities including Kandy and Kurunegala.

Q: There are allegations of massive corruption in road construction and repairs. Are you investigating these claims?

A: We have clearly stated that if any contractor has not completed the construction or repair of roads according to expected standards, we will not approve it. If corruption is proved, we will take necessary action as this Ministry comes under the purview of the President.

Q: The Opposition constantly alleges that the law and order situation in the country has collapsed and that killings, abductions and child molestation are taking place daily as reported in the media. Your comments?

A: This allegation is levelled by UNPers who have a history of violating even the Constitution and law and order, their leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has allegedly signed an MoU with the LTTE on February 22, 2002 is a blatant violation of the Constitution.

It is order situation. Law and order deteriorated from 1977 to 1994. We witnessed how the civil rights of former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike were annulled and SLFPers were harassed once the UNP came to power in 1977.

July strikers were dismissed from their jobs in 1983. Who created the underworld? When the UNP was losing the people’s confidence, they used the underworld to retain power. The UNP which resorted to these activities are levelling this allegation.

During the UNP regime, even ‘nattamies’ had to give ransom to underworld thugs. Taking ransoms have now been stopped today. Sometimes, problems may take place among people. We condemn the incident that took place between UPFA MP Duminda de Silva and Bharatha Premachandra in Mulleriyawa.

If an isolated incident occurs the Opposition has no right to put the blame on the government.

If the UNP talks according to their conscience, they know the difference between the UNP regimes and the UPFA.

The government achieved landslide victories in all the elections held recently, did the government harass or dismiss anybody from their jobs? At present law and order is being implemented properly without any problem. According to the ongoing trend, if a police officer or OIC commits an offence, the blame is put on the entire police force.

This should not be the case. If law and order does not operate, how did the Angulana OIC and two other police officers be sent to gallows? They were found guilty according to the law. But the law was not properly implemented in the past for those who were found guilty. During the UNP regime a Presidential pardon was given to rapists by offering them JP posts. The government has given capital punishment to those found guilty.

The UNP also attempts to highlight the Mulleriyawa incident as being due to a problem within our party. But the UNP has forgotten how UNP MP Range Bandara was brutally assaulted by a UNP Provincial Councillor in Puttalam town. That incident also took place due an internal problem within the UNP. But no disciplinary action has been taken so far. The UNP should not throw stones at glass houses.

Q: Voters have been blamed for not electing decent, qualified and respectable candidates to Parliament and Local Bodies. Is it not the sole responsibility of the party high command to give nominations to people of that calibre.

A: This is a mistake made by voters. Nominations can be given to anybody. But it is the voters who vote suitable or unsuitable candidates and elect them to Parliament and Local Bodies. Some people may not like a candidate, but others may like him. It was the UNP which introduced this electoral system.

If elections were held according to the previous electoral system, the people can identify candidates contesting from their electorate. If any unsuitable candidate is contesting, the people will not vote for him. Today this situation has completely changed.

One candidate who is rejected in a certain area may be a good candidate when he goes to another area of that same district. Therefore this is a problem which should be vested with voters as it is their prime responsibility to elect suitable candidates.

Q: The Mulleriyawa incident has set a bad precedent for party politics, specially during election time. What kind of mechanism is to be effected to prevent such ugly incidents?

A: This is a very unfortunate incident. On the directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, arrangements have been made by the party high command to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in future.

The attempts made by a Parliamentarian to exceed the responsibilities entrusted upon him was the key reason which led to this incident. A politician should have a proper understanding about his political stooges. This kind of incident may occur when politicians attempt to seek the assistance of some unruly elements. This unfortunate incident led to massive change within the Security Forces as well. Earlier we saw businessmen and various other people being escorted by security guards who had similar uniforms to Ministerial security personnel and using defender jeeps. We are not aware who these people are. This system has been changed and wearing an official uniform has been made compulsory for all ministerial security personnel.

Q: have you got to say anything about the anti-Sri Lanka campaign on alleged human rights issues launched by the West?

A: The West is trying hard to interfere into our affairs. Earlier attention was not focused on Sri Lanka. Today President Mahinda Rajapaksa has become an outstanding individual among world leaders. In a situation where attempts were made to cow down to LTTE terrorists, the President eradicated LTTE terrorism. International pressure will be increased further as gas and oil is found in Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa exudes charm and goodwill with all the countries.

It is difficult to find leaders of the calibre of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The country should move forward under the leadership of the President and he should be protected. Even today, various attempts are being made by the pro-LTTE Tamil diaspora to destabilise the country and create mayhem to gain undue advantages. This is a country where all communities live in peace and harmony. Though we belong to different races and religions, we are Sri Lankans. Wherever we go, we are recognised as Sri Lankans.

Our prime responsibility should be to create the necessary environment where all communities can live like members of one family live as Sri Lankans. The government is also trying its best to realise that goal.

Q: What is your comment about the absence of a vibrant Opposition in Parliament?

A: The UPFA was also in the Opposition from 2001 to 2004 and President Mahinda Rajapaksa was our Opposition Leader.

However, when we were in the Opposition, we fulfilled the responsibility entrusted upon us. We appreciated any good move taken by the UNP government and also vehemently criticised any move taken which was not favourable to the country.

At that time we were subject to pressure, but as the then Opposition, we did not surrender to pressure.

The UNP slung mud at us and took revenge. But the UPFA government which came to power in 2004 did not resort to such atrocities as was committed by the UNP. When the UPFA was in the Opposition, it played the role of the Opposition. The Opposition is also an organisation.

If leaders and members of this organisation are fighting with each other, how can it survive or play a legitimate role? There should be a vibrant Opposition to make constructive criticism. Instead of doing politics in the country, the Opposition is inciting international forces to destabilise our country. In their agenda, the country should come first before party, but we cannot see that ideal situation from the Opposition.