Minister of Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga stated that there was the possibility of an international conspiracy to undermine the development of the port in Hambantota given that it could become a significant port especially when the Kra Canal is built.

He made these comments during a public meeting recently.

The government is discussing the possibility of an agreement with a Chinese company for the development of the port. China is also involved in the proposed Kra Canal to be excavated through the Kra Isthmus in Thailand.

It is said that the construction of the canal will harm Singapore as ships will not be required to navigate the Malacca Strait in their route between the Middle East and Far East.