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Exposing the truth: Why the Sojitz–L&T Consortium must be disqualified from the Colombo airport tender
The proposed Colombo airport expansion—Sri Lanka’s largest infrastructure project to date—is not just another construction contract.
It is a national milestone that will define the future of our tourism, trade, and global image.
Yet, the recent revelations surrounding the Sojitz-L&T consortium raise serious concerns about its eligibility, intent, and capability to responsibly handle a project of this scale.
A letter that speaks volumes
A formal letter dated 14th February 2025 from WelcomHotels Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., a subsidiary of India’s ITC Hotels Ltd., addressed to Larsen & Toubro (L&T), has come to light.
It paints a disturbing picture of contractual negligence and outright abandonment by L&T of the prestigious ITC One Colombo project.
In the letter, ITC accuses L&T of:
- Unilaterally abandoning the project without notice.
- Demobilizing subcontractors and key staff in breach of contract.
- Failing to renew critical Performance and Retention Bonds, even after repeated reminders.
- Forcing ITC to coordinate remaining subcontractors themselves just to keep the project afloat.
These are not minor administrative oversights—they are grave violations of contractual and professional responsibility.
The letter clearly states that L&T will be held fully responsible for all additional costs incurred due to their withdrawal and breach.
A troubling consortium: Sojitz using L&T’s credentials
The situation becomes even more alarming when considering the Colombo Airport tender.
The main contractor in this bid is Sojitz Corporation, a Japanese trading house with no proven construction capability to handle such a mega infrastructure development.
Instead, Sojitz is attempting to qualify using L&T’s credentials—a company that has been explicitly called out by a major international client for abandoning one of Sri Lanka’s landmark private sector construction projects.
This is not just unethical—it is dangerous.
Why this matters to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka cannot afford to make strategic mistakes when awarding its largest-ever construction project.
Handing over such a project to a consortium with questionable ethics and a demonstrated lack of commitment puts the entire nation at risk.
Here’s what’s at stake:
National Reputation: Sri Lanka is already battling international skepticism on governance and project execution. Partnering with companies that abandon projects mid-way will further damage our image.
Economic Risk: Delays, cost overruns, and poor execution will have long-term financial repercussions—not just for the government, but for the taxpayers who ultimately bear the cost.
Technical Risk: If Sojitz has no experience and L&T has a track record of walking away, who will actually build the airport?
Accountability Gap: If problems arise—as they already have with ITC—Sri Lanka will struggle to pin accountability when one partner hides behind the other’s qualifications.
A call to action
The authorities responsible for this tender—especially the Ministry of Ports and Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Government as a whole —must take immediate, decisive steps:
- 1. Disqualify the Sojitz–L&T Consortium on grounds of demonstrated unreliability and breach of trust with another high-profile project.
- 2. Revise the Qualification Criteria to prevent piggybacking of credentials by unqualified firms.
- 3. Prioritize National Interest Over Business Influence. Our nation’s development should not be sacrificed at the altar of corrupt lobbying or local political alignment.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka has come too far—and sacrificed too much—to compromise on the integrity of its future. The Sojitz–L&T bid is a ticking time bomb.
The evidence is clear, and the consequences are too great to ignore.
It is the duty of every responsible public servant, journalist, and citizen to demand transparency, accountability, and above all, protection of Sri Lanka’s long-term interests. Disqualifying the Sojitz–L&T consortium is not just the right choice—it is the only choice.
(lankaleader.lk)
(This story, originally published by lankaleader.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
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Top defence officials of India – SL meet in Colombo (Pics)
Indian Defence Secretary Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, leading a high-level delegation, held separate meetings today (Jun 05) with Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
The meetings were also attended by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, reflecting the importance accorded to strengthening bilateral defence relations.
Discussions focused on key areas of mutual interest, including, bilateral defence cooperation, military exchanges and joint training opportunities, capacity building, collaboration in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.
During the meeting the Deputy Minister of Defence, recalled the close and long-standing friendship between neighbouring India and Sri Lanka, and expressed gratitude to the people and government of India for the support they have extended in the past, especially in times of need.
When the Indian delegation met the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary at the Ministry of Defence premises, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha (Retd.) expressed gratitude to the Government of India for the continued cooperation in strengthening Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities.
In response, his Indian counterpart reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining close and friendly relationship with Sri Lanka and expressed firm resolve to further enhance defence and security cooperation, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Both sides agreed to continue regular high-level engagements and to explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and capacity development.
(defence.lk)
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Marine Drive tree planting project held (Pics)
In line with World Environment Day, a tree planting and conservation project was launched this morning (5) along the coastal stretch of Colombo’s Marine Drive, from the Kollupitiya Railway Station towards Wellawatte. The initiative is being implemented by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat Office.
Marking the commencement of the project, 1,600 Takkada (Scaevola taccada) saplings were planted today, with plans to expand the number to 6,000 in the near future. The project is being carried out with participation from state institutions, private organisations and the general public.
The Takkada plant, which includes two species highly resistant to saline environments, is listed as a threatened species on the Red Data List. The Scaevola taccada species planted today typically grows as a shrub reaching heights of 5 to 6 feet. Its dense green foliage and compact height make it ideal for urban settings, enhancing cityscapes with both environmental and aesthetic value.
This initiative is being carried out with the collaboration of the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Police (Environmental and Traffic Divisions), Sri Lanka Railways, Road Development Authority, Urban Development Authority and the Colombo Municipal Council. It is sponsored by LB Finance PLC and Hemsandu Marketing Company.
The event was attended by Colombo Municipal Councillor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs) G.M.R.D. Appuhamy, along with representatives from the sponsoring organisations and other distinguished guests.
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Top defence officials of India – SL meet in Colombo (Pics)
Marine Drive tree planting project held (Pics)
