SLPA rejects claims of port workshop being used for Ranatunga’s private use

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on Wednesday dismissed allegations against Minister Arjuna Ranatunga claiming that the port workshop was used to manufacture furniture for his private use.

At a media conference held at the ministry auditorium, Vice Chairman Prof. Prasanna Perera said that these allegations were baseless and pointed out that this workshop was used to carry out repairs and manufacture goods required for the use of the SLPA offices, official residences and holiday bungalows.

He pointed out that this was part of an “organised crime” to destroy the image of the minister and explained that however, in the past two officers were sacked following allegations of manufacturing goods at the premises for other purposes about six years back. SLPA MD Sarath Kumara Premachandra noted that this workshop had been in use for a long time and were used for this sole purpose. Minister Ranatunga who is currently overseas was due to hold a further media conference against allegations of corruption at the SLPA, the Minister’s Media Secretary Thameera Manju said at the briefing.

Taking centre stage at the media conference, Mr. Manju pointed out that some sections of the media had forcefully entered the premises and video-taped the work at the workshop which he pointed out was unlawful.

He pointed out that a “bookie” owner or a former politician might be behind these conspiracies to sling mud at Minister Ranatunga. Currently, work at the workshop is being carried out to furnish the official residence of the SLPA at Hill House, which is presently being used by Minister Ranatunga. Furniture at the residence is being replaced as some of its furniture is made of MDF board.