China Harbour denies funding MR’s political campaign

• Says it cooperated with authorities 3 years ago when allegations were originally made and will continue to do so if a fresh probe is made

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) yesterday denied funding the 2015 re-election bid of the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa and claimed the New York Times article was distorted and false.

“The speculation by an international media organization that CHEC funded former President’s 2015 Presidential Election campaign is completely inconsistent with the facts,” CHEC Representative Office Deputy Managing Director An Xin told the media yesterday at the Chinese Embassy.

“The construction of the Hambantota Port by CHEC was an important national task based on mutual agreement between Sri Lanka and China Governments, and was implemented under a transparent model,” she said.  

An said that the CHEC cooperated with all authorities three years ago when allegations were originally made. “We will continue to fully cooperate with authorities if there are fresh investigations on the allegations,” she added. 

She also said Sri Lanka did not initially approach China to develop the Hambantota Port but did only after contacting other countries and having had no interest from any of them.

An said that construction work started in 2008 and the total cost of Hambantota port was $ 1.2 billion. The majority of funding was concessional and small portion of commercial loan was provided at rates lower than the international rates prevalent at that time. 

“As a mega project it is conducive to regional and national development,” she said, adding that the Hambantota Port would get continuous support from Chinese and Sri Lankan Governments. 

CHEC has worked closely with over 60 local contractors and suppliers and has already created over 6,500 jobs.

“CHEC has never been involved in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka. The Hambantota Port was built for the Sri Lankan Government and its people. We wish to jointly safeguard Sri Lanka’s investor-friendly environment. The relevant media report has distorted the facts and provided a false opinion,” An added.