Heated debate in parliament on proposed oil refinery

COLOMBO (News 1st): MP Namal Rajapaksa (UPFA) and Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara (Development Strategies and International Trade) got into a heated debate in Parliament today (March 25) over the proposed oil refinery in Hambantota. MP Rajapaksa pointed out that the foundation stone for the refinery is laid while discussions are still underway. He also pointed out that, according to international media, the government of Oman has no connection to the project, as claimed by the Yahapalana government. The MP also brought up the matter of Silver Park, a company which is also a partner of the refinery project. Rajapaksa stated that while the cabinet paper was submitted on November 10, 2016, Silver Park was established in June 2017. "They give out 400 acres and said that this is the biggest investment in the history of the country. The company was established in June 2017. They said it even before the company was established. Now they have a company called Silver park petroleum, but this company was incorporated on February 21st 2019. Then the Singaporean company, was registered in Singapore 4 months after you had granted cabinet approval for this," said MP Namal Rajapaksa. Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara responded by saying that the investments were carried according to the procedures of the Board of Investment. When MP Rajapaksa questioned on Silver Park's date of registration, Deputy Minister Bandara continued; "First they (the opposition) shouted saying that there is no involvement of the government of Oman, now when the Omani Minister came to the country they are shedding crocodile tears. We clearly state that these plots of land, 200 acres in Mirijjawila and the remaining 400 acres has been taken from lands belonging to the Mahaweli Authority. We are conducting environmental assessments. There is no need for you to panic. You spoke about the salterns, you also spoke about the Bundala sanctuary, Then how did you construct the Hambantota Port?"

Deceiving the people through #Fake investment projects?

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