The Government will negotiate with foreign construction companies to recruit more Sri Lankan labourers because some Chinese companies have brought Chinese labourers to work in construction sites.

Some Chinese companies sign contracts with the Sri Lankan Government stipulating they wish to recruit Chinese labourers instead of Sri Lankan labourers because Chinese labour was cheap. The Government will not interfere with contractual obligations of foreign companies, but the Government will ask the foreign companies to recruit an adequate number of Sri Lankan labourers, Media Minister Laxman Yapa Abeyawardena told a media conference held at Government Information Department yesterday.

Minister Abeyawardena said that because of the statement made by General Sarath Fonseka to an English language newspaper Major General Shavendra Silva would not be able to visit foreign countries because he could be considered a war criminal and could be arrested.

He pointed out that General Fonseka’s statement involved far-reaching repercussions and President Rajapaksa would have to answer to the international community, especially the U.N. on the gravity of the statement made by General Fonseka.

General Fonseka has now denied the statement.

Minister Abeyawardena added that JVP General Secretary had made a statement that the Government was launching a conspiracy against General Fonseka. The Government which was truly a democratic one would never descend to that level and had no ulterior motives against anyone.

He said that the Government had formulated a plan to enlighten the international community and U.N. on the current political situation in Sri Lanka. General Fonseka’s statement had tarnished the image of Sri Lanka among the international community and the U.N. while the responsibility to create a stable image of Sri Lanka would be the duty of the next President.