SJB, UNP rapped over Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill row

COLOMBO: Education Minister Prof. G. L . Peiris said that those who are filing petitions in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, have forgotten the Greater Colombo Economic Commission Act (GCEC) which was passed in parliament in 1978.

He said the Greater Colombo Economic Commission Bill adopted in Parliament in 1978 exempted usual tax laws of the country such as Inland Revenue Act and Foreign Exchange Act.

The minister said that a number of groups including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and the UNP are involved in a disinformation campaign over the bill without any basis.

The Education Minister was speaking to the media after calling on the Most Ven.Ittapane Dhammalankara Thera at Sri Dharma Wijayaloka Maha Viharaya in Pannipitiya.
The mnister during the meeting had made the Thera aware of the current situation of the country.

“Over 20 petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill. But the SJB and the UNP have forgotten what was done soon after former President J. R. Jayewardene came to power in 1977,” he said.

The minister said the incumbent president has to approve the Master Plan of the Colombo Port City and any revision in the Master Plan too has to be approved by the President under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill.

The accounts of the commission are required to be audited annually and the final Audit report should to be submitted to the president.

The minister added that security forces and the police have full access to the Colombo Port city.