Govt. in agreement with US company - Weerawansa

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana 
Government has got into an agreement with Millennium Challenge Corporation USA under which an economic development corridor will be constructed, UPFA MP Wimal Weerawansa charged yesterday.  

Speaking during the second reading debate on the budget, Mr Weerawansa said only US, Japanese and few other companies will be allowed to invest in this corridor. “Land laws will be amended to allow these companies to chase the people and take over the lands along this corridor,” Mr. Weerawansa said.  
Mr. Weerawansa charged that this new corridor will also be used to construct facilities for the US military to keep troops.  

“A huge number of US ships are to be kept in Sri Lankan waters,” he also charged.  

In addition he said a greater share of Palaly Airport, Kankasanthuri Port, a part of Galle Port are to be handed over to India shortly.  

He said all state land is going to be put under the purview of a ‘ Land Bank’ which is to be set up shortly.  

Minister of Tourism and Wild Life John Amaratunga who responded said “I cannot understand why Mr. Weerawansa had become worried about the state lands. “ One cannot understand why Mr. Weerawansa is worried about lands. Nothing will happen to the country’s land,” he said.  

“The opposition is not talking about the budget this time unlike the previous years. This may be because the proposals are good,” the 
Minister said.