Justice Minister warns of local, foreign forces attempting to thwart country’s development

By Rathindra Kuruwita

There were local and foreign forces bent on thwarting Sri Lanka’s development efforts, Minister of Justice Mohamed Ali Sabry said yesterday addressing the media on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill.

“There are the people who want us to remain where we are,” the Minister said.

Minister Sabry said that the Sri Lankan laws would apply to the Port City. If arbitration failed and two or more parties wanted to take legal action, they would have to go to commercial courts of Sri Lanka.

“As you know the Chinese company has acquired the Port City on lease. But if the company wants to sublease the land, it has to obtain the approval of the Sri Lankan government.  So, if Sri Lankan laws apply to the Port City and if it is controlled by an entity appointed by the President, then what’s the problem?”

The Justice Minister said that the government had been transparent and followed established procedure with regards to the Bill.

“Normally, when a Bill is drafted, it is sent to the AG for observations. Then, it is presented to the Cabinet. Once the Cabinet approves it, the Bill is gazetted and interested parties can challenge it. We have followed this procedure. So, some people have gone to courts because we didn’t rush through the process. Let the Supreme Court give a verdict on this.”

Meanwhile, MP Jayantha Weerasinghe, PC, said that the Commission to administer the Port City would be under the full control of the Sri Lankan President and the government. The Commission would also be audited annually by the state, he said.

“It also clearly states that any regulation brought under this Bill will have to be presented to Parliament. If MPs don’t approve such regulations, they will be ineffective. The auditor will also audit the Commission and these audit reports too will be made available to Parliament. You won’t be able to hide anything,” he said.

MP Dilan Perera said that the Commission would be manned by eminent Sri Lankans. Foreigners would be considered if such persons were essential for developing the Port City as a service hub.

“There will be seven commissioners and it is unlikely that we will bring in foreigners. I know that a lot of people are speculating that there will be Chinese nationals as commissioners. Soon you will see that there is no truth in these speculations.”