Two SC Petitions filed against proposed development corporation

• Speaker informs Parliament two Petitions filed against Ruhunu Economic Development Corporation

Parliament received copies of two Petitions filed at the Supreme Court under Article 121(1) of the Constitution, in respect of the Bill regarding the Ruhunu Economic Development Corporation of Sri Lanka, the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya informed the House yesterday. 

Setting a national policy on Ruhunu Economic Development to encourage rapid economic development, specifically trade, exports, technology, tourism and modern agriculture employment opportunities to secure sustainable economic development, the Government moved the Ruhunu Economic Development Corporation of Sri Lanka Bill in Parliament on 21 August.

The Bill provides for the establishment of the Ruhunu Economic Development Corporation of Sri Lanka, for the purpose of identifying, formulating, and coordinating the implementation of Economic Development Projects, Plans, Programs or Schemes within the Ruhunu Development Area, and for matters connected.

The Bill received from the Legal Draftsman, prepared on the lines of the Greater Colombo Economic Commission, will support establishing export-oriented special economic zones, attracting foreign investors and creating employment for youth in Southern Sri Lanka.

According to Government plans, Ruhuna and Hambantota have been earmarked to establish an investment zone to compete with those in the Western Province. Export Processing Zones are expected to be established in Galle and Matara, with several large tourism zones reaching 500 acres also to be set up by the Government. (AH)