Sri Lanka clears the decks for port city project

11 December 2015 08:20 am - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Sri Lankan government has cleared the decks for the controversial Colombo Port City project to resume, Finance Minister has told the South China Morning Post.

Executives at the related Chinese companies who cannot be identified separately told the Post that the project was expected to restart around February, after all the final details had been worked out.

“We have given all the necessary clearances. Now it is up to the investors to sort out the minor details,” said Ravi Karunanayake. “On our part, the government is happy with the environmental impact assessment [EIA] report for the project. It is now under public consultation.”

The absence of a proper EIA was cited as a major reason for pulling the US$1.4 billion project – which will see a spanking new business district the size of Monaco rise from the ocean – that was cleared by former China-friendly president Mahinda Rajapaksa. Colombo Port City is among the several big-ticket Chinese-backed infrastructure ventures put on hold after Rajapaksa lost in January’s election.

Inaugurated by President Xi Jinping in September and financed by state-controlled and Hong Kong-listed China Communications Construction Co (CCCC) and executed by its subsidiary CHEC Port City Colombo, the project has driven a wedge between Beijing and Colombo, once one among China’s strongest allies in the region.

Karunanayake said the government had asked the Chinese project company to agree to a change in provision of freehold land into leasehold land to enable the project to resume.

“This is in accordance with the law of the land. Foreigners can’t own land in this country and everyone has to abide by it,” the minister said.

Under the original agreement, CCCC would reclaim 233 hectares off Colombo coast. It would keep 108 hectares, including 20 hectares on a freehold basis and the rest on a 99-year lease. Sri Lanka would own the rights to the other 125 hectares.

Apart from potential environmental damage ranging from coastal erosion to loss of marine life, this provision of giving freehold land to a Chinese state company became a political hot potato at home and abroad.

See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Flowers, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,News, Courier/Delivery, Food Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka.

Comments - 5

Appuhamy Friday, 11 December 2015 02:02 PM

This is the most sensible thing to do as we are desperate for investment. Change in provision of freehold land into leasehold land should address one of the major concerns of all the Deshapremi’s.

Yapa Friday, 11 December 2015 02:26 PM

Discuss EIA with the environment experts.Follow the procedure.

lkboy Friday, 11 December 2015 06:29 PM

Thats a good decision not to give Freehold of our land.

Sri Lankan Monday, 14 December 2015 09:42 AM

I wonder how much it cost to be satisfied with the EIA..

Permission Sunday, 13 December 2015 06:52 PM

How many countries nod was awaited to give the go ahead ?

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Sri Lanka clears the decks for port city project

Comments - 5

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Bittersweet memories of a ‘City that never slept’

Revisiting the Attack on Thirukumar Nadesan in India

Spotlight on Attorney General’s Department and Public Service Commission

How a 19-year-old TikToker is helping bring back the Woolly Mammoth!

Unmasking Sri Lanka’s Pyramid Parasites

Writing Letters to Michele Bachelet Causes Turmoil Within the TNA

A state-sponsored elephant racket in the works

Most Viewed in News

Viral video by tourist: What he said is misleading, fabricated, SL clarifies

Current restrictions likely to be extended until Oct. 31

Revisiting the Attack on Thirukumar Nadesan in India

Former CAA Executive Director lodges complaint over a white van

Lobby group threatens legal action against use of MRNA vaccines in Sri Lanka

Authorities unhappy over people’s reckless behaviour

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sailing to protest against Indian poachers

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith calls for support of international community President said some recommendations cannot be implemented: Cardinal

New variants can enter the country at any time, warns Health DG

Lovers electrocuted by live wire in cinnamon plantation

MIRROR CRICKET

England take early T20I series lead over Sri Lanka

New Zealand clinch World Test title

LPL 2nd edition from July 30-August 22-SLC

Sanath Jayasuriya signs as coach at Melbourne cricket club Mulgrave

Scotland in shock win over Bangladesh

Kandy Players Seek Fair Chance

Du Plessis to make first appearance in LPL

Oman trounce Papua New Guinea in T20 World Cup opener