"We are against denationalizing public assets" - Minister Namal Rajapaksa

Colombo (News 1st): Indian media has reported that Sri Lanka has admitted that a 49% stake in the Colombo Port's East Container Terminal will come from the Adani Group and other stakeholders. According to reports, New Delhi's strategic interest in having a presence at the Port is no secret due to its location as one of the world's shipping lanes. Reports added that 66% of the transhipment business at the terminal is linked to India as well. Meanwhile, Turkish state media reported that Sri Lanka's decision to revive the East Container Terminal project signals its intention to balance ties with China and India. According to India's Economic Times, New Delhi and Colombo are also discussing a deal to allow Sri Lanka to delay its debt repayments to India. "The people of this country seemed to have formed a brokering company rather than a government" Leader of the JVP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said. "At one point in time, it was the Rajapaksa's brokering company. At another point, it was the Wickremesinghe's brokering company. Before that, it was the Bandaranaike's brokering company" he added. "If 49% of the entity is being sold, then it must be not be done" Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero from the Association of National Organizations said. "The Adani Company is very dangerous. Their conduct had severely impacted India's Jawaharlal Nehru Port" he added Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa also expressed his opposition against denationalizing public assets. He, however, said that Sri Lanka must continue to attract investments. "When investments are drawn towards this country, it must be done while protecting the national resources and pride of our country," Minister Namal Rajapaksa said.