The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Hon. Minister, thank you for clarifying Ports and Customs. That is why, in speaking of “port charges,” I linked it with customs in relation to container-related charges. It was not out of ignorance. I wanted to highlight that certain functions within the port proceed through Customs processes, because containers are brought by ships, unloaded, handled in the port according to standard and legal procedures—processes for which, as the subject Minister, you must be aware. That is why I integrated those matters. You have clarified it.

¶ 02 Hon. Speaker, I will now ask my second supplementary question, after thanking the Hon. Minister for correcting that matter.

¶ 03 You spoke about port development activities. That is good. Yesterday we saw mention about the East Terminal. You were to open it on the 30th of this month. But, according to media reports, due to the incompetence and lack of knowledge of the new officials you appointed, the work has been delayed, causing large losses and additional expenditure. I believe it could be handled more efficiently. The shortcomings of the officers you appointed were reflected in media discussions. We do not know whether those are true. As the Minister, you would know the truth. The allegation is that the jetty, which was to be commissioned to contribute to national revenue from the 30th of this month, could not be refurbished—modernized—due to decisions taken by your Government. Is that true or false?