By Saroj Pathirana BBC Sinhala service

	'As far as I am aware the construction of the port has not been halted'

“We still owe more than Rs 2billion to the company. I have already submitted a cabinet paper and I’m sure we will pay the whole amount before the end of the year,” Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, told BBC Sinhala.

The minister, however, rejected media reports that the construction of the second phase of the Hambantota port has been halted by the firm as a result of monies owed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Hambantota port is being constructed by the Chinese companies China Harbour Engineering Company and Sinohydro Corporration.

Media reports say President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the Bank of Ceylon (BoC) to pay the debt owed to the Chinese firm securing a guarantee from Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

'Poor' Galle pitch

“There was no such order for the BoC. It should be paid for by the SLC and we will make sure that it is paid,” said sports minister.

	Galle stadium was rebuilt after the destruction by Asian tsunami

“I am only responsible for sports but as far as I am aware the construction of the port has not been halted,” added Mr Aluthgamage.

The International Cricket Council has, meanwhile, issued an official warning to SLC over the pitch prepared in Galle stadium for the recent tour of Australia.

It was a good pitch we prepared in Galle but the SLC is committed to prepare a better pitch for next international matches Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage

“It has also directed that ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson will carry out an inspection of the square and make recommendations on any corrective action that may be required,” a statement issued by the ICC said.

The ICC has also urged the SLC to submit a report confirming the corrective action as advised by Mr Atkinson.

"It was clear ... that the amount of turn, especially early in the match, was excessive and there were occasions... where the ball went through the surface of the pitch, bouncing unusually steeply from a good length," ICC general manager Dave Richardson was quoted in the statement.
Minister Aluthgamage said he has instructed the SLC to make measures not to repeat the mistake.

“It was a good pitch we prepared in Galle but the SLC is committed to prepare a better pitch for next international matches,” he told BBC Sandeshaya.

The minister insisted that the mistake was not “deliberate,” but admitted it might have been not to the best standards.

The ICC had the power to impose a sanction ranging from a warning and/or fine to a suspension of the international status of the venue in the case of repeated offences.