Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2016-01-20

Requesting proposal from the Investors for the business opportunities identified to be implemented under the Hambantota Port Development Project

- An Initial Environmental Examination has been conducted by the University of Moratuwa, with regard to the proposed industries to be implemented within the industrial zone at the Port of Hambantota. It has been recommended by the said study that the coal related industries should not be established in the area. Therefore, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has already prepared a business plan for the identification of business ventures that could be commenced under the Hambantota Port Development Project. It has been planned to implement the business opportunities so identified, as Public - Private Partnerships. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. Arjuna Ranatunga, the Minister of Ports and Shipping, to appoint a Negotiating Committee and a Project Committee to request for proposals from the investors, to evaluate the same and to conduct negotiations, was approved by the Cabinet.