Johnston calls for proper survey prior to clearing of lands near Trincomalee Port

With a significant portion of the total land area belonging to the Trincomalee Port allegedly being illegally acquired by external parties, Roads and Highways, Ports and Shipping Minister Johnston Fernando instructed the relevant authorities to take immediate action to reacquire those lands after resolving issues in this regard. 

The Minister made these remarks at a discussion held on 1 January, following an inspection of the Trincomalee harbour. Minister Fernando went on to state that the new Government expected to execute timely conversions at the Trincomalee Harbour to ensure the attraction of new businesses that would lead to a maximum profit and the highest possible development.

“We are expecting to convert this harbour into an institution which is sensible of new business tendencies and opportunities, via the launch of the Trincomalee Port with the administration of a board of directors which will include skilled professionals who have performed well in the private sector, leading it to operate as an independent organisation in achieving predetermined developments goals. That is the expectation of our President. 

“A new procedure, a new country, a working country, a developed country and a secure country are the expectations of our President. Accordingly, we will study how our port sector can contribute to accomplishing those objectives. It is one of the world’s leading natural harbours. We are very disappointed about the situation here. We need to resolve issues relates to fuel tanks as well. During this visit, I came to know that some of the iron parts of these tanks are missing and those had been stolen by someone. We can’t let this happen. I hope immediate action is taken to avoid such losses. We also expect to make decisions regarding lands owned by the port. Out of a total land area of 2,500 hectares owned by the Trincomalee Port, to date only 1,200 hectares remain. Therefore, we will take action to get back those lands to ensure the maxim possible development that can be achieved as an institution. In achieving those organisational goals, unity among employees is a compulsory factor. I urge them to join closer together throughout the process,” the Minister asserted.

Approximately 2,500 hectares of land area is owned by the Trincomalee Harbour. However, up to date a land area exceeding 1,000 hectares has been illegally acquired by external parties. Those lands have been acquired by the Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) in 1978. Some of the people are allegedly living there with invalid deeds, which were cancelled in 1978 following the acquirement of the lands by the SLPA, alongside others who purportedly do not possess any documentation. Legal action has been taken against those who have resided in lands owned by the SLPA, so nearly 300 cases have been filed in this regard. Following Minister Fernando’s inspectional visit, he advised the relevant officials to reacquire these lands, which have allegedly been illegally occupied by external parties, after a proper survey is conducted.