MINISTER WIJEDASA BREACHED COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY - RAJITHA

Statement made on H’tota Port issue

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senarathne lashing out at Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe yesterday said that the latter had breached collective responsibility of a Cabinet Minister by making varied statements on the Hambantota Port issue. Minister Senaratne said further that his cabinet colleague Wijedasa

It is more honourable to state one’s personal views at the Cabinet meeting itself rather than to express them outside. We are going to discuss this matter at the next Cabinet Meeting

Rajapakse’s statement to the effect that the Hambantota Port would be retaken by the government is to be taken up for a discussion at the next Cabinet meeting and a decision would be taken. This was stated by him at the press briefing held yesterday at the Sri Jayewardenepura Parliamentary complex to announce Cabinet decisions.

Replying to a query made by journalists, Minister Senaratne clarified that before the agreement was signed, it was discussed at the Cabinet meeting and there were arguments for and against.

Minister Patalie Champika also raised issues against it.

However, at the end where the Cabinet arrived at a decision. “It is more honourable to state one’s personal views at the Cabinet meeting itself rather than to express them outside. We are going to discuss this matter at the next Cabinet Meeting”, the Cabinet spokesman said.