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. 1. Disqualify the Sojitz–L&T Consortium on grounds of demonstrated unreliability and breach of trust with another high-profile project.
2. 2. Revise the Qualification Criteria to prevent piggybacking of credentials by unqualified firms.
3. 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)