News
Unlawful use of Port City sand: CHEC insists it has done no wrong
FSP stands by its original allegations
China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd., has said the reclaimed sand from Port City hasn’t been used for any other project.
CHEC Colombo Office said so in response to The Island query whether CHEC, as promised, had initiated a thorough internal investigation into allegations made by the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) that the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government has allowed the CHEC to unlawfully obtain sand from the Port City for the construction of the East and Jaya Container Terminals in the Colombo Port.
CHEC sent us the following statement: “After conducting a thorough and meticulous investigation, we have confirmed that the reclaimed sand from the Port City has been exclusively utilised for the construction of the Port City project.
There has been no instance of Port City sand being diverted for use in other projects, including the construction of the port project. We strictly adhere to the laws and regulations of Sri Lanka, as well as contractual agreements, ensuring the legality of our construction endeavours.
A concrete mixing plant for the Port City project has been established within the port area, making it a standard procedure to transport sand from the Port City to this mixing plant. The concrete produced using Port City sand is solely dedicated to the construction of the Port City project and meets both contractual agreements and technical specifications.
The ongoing construction of the Terminals at the Port of Colombo only utilises the projects’ own reclaimed sand as well as sand procured from legal external sources. There has been no utilisation of the reclaimed sand from the Port City Colombo project for the construction works of these terminals at the Port of Colombo. Moreover, prior to use, all sand undergoes sampling and laboratory testing to ensure compliance with the contractual agreements and technical specifications of the construction project at the Port of Colombo.”
However, FSP spokesperson Pubudu Jayagoda said that they stood by their original claims.
Jayagoda reiterated that on a monthly basis approximately 4,000 cubes of sand, worth Rs 80 mn, were transported illegally with the government looking the other way.
The breakaway JVP faction said that the government owed an explanation regarding the suitability of sea sand for such large-scale construction and whether the Chinese met the required standards as regards concrete work.
Jayagoda also asked whether taxes were paid for the massive loads of sea sand procured by the Chinese. The former JVPer alleged the way CHEC conducted its operations here indicated that it didn’t respect Sri Lanka’s law.
Jayagoda claimed that following the disclosure made by them the CHEC and SLPA suspended the illegal operation (SF)
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Voting commences to elect members for 339 local government authorities
President holds talks with Vietnamese President
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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