Hakeem says Bimal lost ports portfolio over opposition to Kankesanthurai Port deal

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem stirred controversy in Parliament during the budget debate when he remarked, in a light-hearted manner, that Minister Bimal Rathnayake had lost the ports portfolio after objecting to developing the Kankesanthurai Port with Indian assistance. Rathnayake reacted angrily, saying he should not be laughed at and urging Hakeem to speak straightforwardly.

Minister Anura Karunathilaka, who now holds the ports portfolio, said Rathnayake had carried out substantial work on the port project, which made it easier to continue from where his predecessor had stopped. Hakeem noted that both ministers, who had swapped portfolios, had become angry over his jokes.

Hakeem also challenged the government to hold a midterm election if possible, comparing the situation to political setbacks faced by US President Donald Trump.