PRECIFAC investigates:

Rs 18.8 m H'tota Port inauguration tamasha

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

The misuse of State resources amounting to Rs 18.8 million by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for the grand opening of the Hambantota Port is now under investigation by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources, and Privileges (PRECIFAC).

"The Commission decided to initiate the investigation based on a public complaint it received," Secretary to PRECIFAC Lacille de Silva said. According to the public complaint, State funds amounting to Rs. 18.8 million had been spent on the opening ceremony of the Port, the first phase of which was built at a cost of US $361 million.

The special police team attached to PRECIFAC is currently investigating the complaint and will summon top officials of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, performing artistes and members of the organising committee to give statements.

Early last week, the Commission recorded statement from two leading artistes, Channa Wijewardene and Upuli Panibharatha, who performed at the opening

The Hambantota Port, officially named the Magampura Ruhuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Port was declared open on 18 November, 2010.

Meanwhile, the second public hearing into the monetary losses incurred by Independent Television Network (ITN), is scheduled for October 29 and 30. Nearly ten more officials including former ITN Chairman Rosmund Senaratne, Deputy General Managers of Finance and Program and several executives of the Marketing Division, will appear for the public hearing.