Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has flagged multiple irregularities in the second phase of the Eastern Container Terminal development at Colombo Port, citing delays, governance issues, and financial concerns.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised alarm over what he characterizes as serious irregularities in the ongoing second phase of the Eastern Container Terminal project at Colombo Port. During discussions with engineers, Premadasa indicated that technical officers have identified numerous deficiencies in project execution. The second phase commenced in January 2023 with an initial completion target of January 2025, yet remains unfinished after more than eighteen months of work.
Premadasa highlighted structural governance problems affecting the project's management. He stated that engineers are simultaneously serving in both the Project Management Unit and advisory team roles, which he argues creates conflicts of interest and compromises impartiality. The Opposition Leader emphasized that such arrangements prevent the independent oversight necessary for projects of this magnitude. Additionally, Premadasa noted the absence of a permanent project director despite the project's scale and complexity.
Financial and procedural concerns also featured prominently in Premadasa's critique. He alleged that certain payments are being processed discreetly, with some payments excluded from records and continuous advance disbursements resulting in institutional losses. Premadasa characterized these transactions as unlawful. The project deadline has been extended three times already, with the third extension scheduled to conclude on July 7, 2026. According to Premadasa, a fourth extension is reportedly being implemented without proper authorization from the Port Authority.
Additionally, Premadasa pointed to personnel-related issues, noting that staff recruited through a competitive process under the 2019 Management Services Circular have not received salary adjustments. These combined concerns have prompted the Opposition Leader to call for enhanced transparency and accountability in project administration.