Sri Lankan Minister addresses state machinery and port project

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K. D. Lal Kantha stated that while the National People's Power holds power, the state machinery has not yet fully aligned with government policies. Speaking at an annual meeting of the Government Service Engineers' Association, he noted that systemic weaknesses and irregularities rooted in the administrative structure over several decades require significant time to reform.

Kantha highlighted challenges in utilizing budget allocations, noting that many state departments and institutions only manage to use 60 to 70 percent of allocated funds. He observed that some entities even refuse funds, claiming an inability to utilize them, which hinders economic development.

Separately, Ports Minister Bimal Rathnayake addressed the cancellation of a $280 million logistics hub project at the Colombo Port. He explained that concerns arose regarding an agreement to allocate 10 acres of land between the eastern and western container terminals to a Chinese logistics firm. While the government supported the investment, Rathnayake stated the project could not proceed due to improper procedures in the original agreement. He rejected claims that government actions are driving investors away, arguing that proceeding with controversial agreements could discourage future investors.