Authorities say Mahinda Rajapaksa port in Hambantota will soon attract international shipping lines

United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara told journalists that the newly built port has failed to secure the International Ships and Port facilities Securities (ISPS) certificate which is essential for international shipping.

The government is deceiving Sri Lankan public   Dayasiri Jayasekara, MP

Minister Wimal Weerawansa and the government boasted that nearly 400 ships a day would arrive in the port, Mr Jayasekara said, but no international shipping line would arrive in the port as a result of lack of the ISPS.

“The government is deceiving Sri Lankan public,” he said.

But Dr Priyath Bandu Wickrama, chairman Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA), told BBC Sandeshaya that the port acquired the ISPS before declaring it open on 18 November.

“Sri Lanka Navy - the sole authority to issue the ISPS - issued it after a fact finding mission,” Dr Wickrama said.

The SLPA head added that the Mahinda Rajapaksa port is currently fully operational although international good ships yet to arrive.

“Technically it is a fully operational port and many ships have already arrived from Colombo port. Many more ships are expected next year and we also launched a sand export project through Hambantota port,” he added.