Controversy over Port City sand: CHEC responds to FSP

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) yesterday (29) said that it had launched a thorough internal investigation into allegations made by Pubudu Jagoda of the Front line Socialist Party (FSP) as reported in The Island edition of February 26, 2024.

The following is the text of statement issued by CHEC in response to ‘Chinese contractor obtaining Port City sand for Colombo harbour projects unlawfully: FSP’:

The recent allegations concerning irregularities with regard to the use of sand intended for construction work at Port City Colombo being instead utilised for construction works at the Port of Colombo, have been brought to our attention.

To the best of our knowledge, there are no unethical or illegal activities taking place in this regard. However, as a law-abiding responsible corporate citizen, we are indeed concerned about these allegations. Accordingly, we have taken steps to conduct a thorough internal investigation into this matter. We further assure all stakeholders that the findings of this investigation will be made available to the respective authorities, so that immediate action can be taken, if required.

We take this opportunity to reassure the public and all other stakeholders that China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) adheres to the standards of compliance with all local laws and regulations. Furthermore, we have continually and consistently extended the fullest support to law enforcement and all other statutory bodies during the course of doing business, which spans over 25 years in Sri Lanka, whilst maintaining the quality standards across all our projects.”