Despite India's rejection, Sri Lanka says talks ongoing with India over Trincomalee Port

Colombo, Jan 30 (NIA) – The Sri Lankan government has planned to develop its Trincomalee harbor, in the eastern part of the country, and discussions are being held with the governments of Japan and India, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Wickremesinghe’s remarks come days after India’s denial that it was in talks with Sri Lanka over developing the Trincomalee harbor.

Indian media, quoting Indian sources clarified last week that India is not at all interested in such balancing deals and that it is not interested in Trincomalee port as it is not going to yield an income for a long time.

In fact, India had earlier rejected an invitation to build the Hambantota port for the same reason, high ranking Indian officials said.

Wickremesinghe said that developing the Harbor in Trincomalee will create more job opportunities for the youth in the island especially from Horowpathana and Anuradhapura areas.

He said that the government expects to develop tourism in the eastern coast and Anuradhapura will also be developed as a center of the Cultural Triangle.

“This is the last chance for the youth of the country as well as to develop the country. That is why we invite everyone to join us to bring the country forward without any division”, the Premier said.

“I have not forgotten the difficulties suffered by the UNPers. We should assist them. They should be given jobs. I have already instructed the General Secretary of the Party Minister Kabir Hashim to first look into the party supporters who suffered revenge. Those who are to begin small enterprises should be given loans. Number of youth should be given job training”, he added.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe further said that nobody would be allowed to disrupt these programs carried out by the Party and he had instructed the Chairman of UNP to begin the re-organization of the party. “The development of the country and the National harmony should be protected”, urged the Premier.