Minister of Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranathunga says the operational activities of Hambantota Port will be maintained as a joint venture of state and private sectors. Responding to a question raised by parliamentarian Buddhika Pathirana in parliament today, the minister disclosed the final decision in this regard will be reached in the weekend. The Hambantota Port is currently suffering immense losses. It cannot be beared by the government. The minister pointed out the profit earned from the Colombo Harbour is spent for the activities of Hambantota Port.

Meanwhile, Minister Malik Samarawickrema said the government will hold discussions with relevant parties when reaching traded agreements with other countries. Attention will be focused on increasing exports and generating job opportunities. The Minister added discussions are being held to reach trade agreements with India and China.

The debate on the budget commenced for the 6th day in parliament today. Chief whip of the opposition parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake who commenced the debate said the country is tangled in an immense debt at present. It is unable to settle interests of the loans obtained. Therefore, he pointed out the government should have a plan to increase the revenue earned from exports and to reduce expenses on imports.

Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakse who joined the debate said the present government came to power to safeguard the rule of law. The previous regime was rejected by the public since it ignored the rule of law. The minister pointed out the government has been able to create a better country which was under the law of the jungle at one time. Religious extremists will not be allowed to disrupt the harmony of the country. The issue of disabled military personnel surfaced in 2007. However, then government was not concerned to address the issue.

It was the present government that provided a solution to the matter. Certain groups are attempting to label the Aava group as one of the factions of the LTTE. The minister pointed out certain groups are interested in disrupting the day to day life of the country.

Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said the deficit between export and import revenue and expenditures should be minimized.

Meanwhile, the vote on second reading of the budget will be held in the parliament this evening.