The Supreme Court yesterday instructed the Attorney General to inform the court on the amendments that would be introduced to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, presented to Parliament.

Several new amendments to the Port City Economic Commission bill were forwarded to the Attorney General on Thursday, the fourth day on which the petitions filed challenging the Port City Economic Commission Bill was taken up for consideration at the Supreme Court.

Additional Solicitor General Farzana Jameel appearing for the Attorney General’s Department informed the Supreme Court that the Government had decided to add several amendments to the bill at the Parliamentary Committee stage.

The Additional Solicitor General presented the amendments to the five-judge bench via a document.

Before the submissions made by the Additional Solicitor General, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva, appearing on behalf of President’s Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera in an intervening petition told the court that his client had instructed to take necessary measures to amend the bill.

Sanjeewa Jayawardena PC stated in court that his clients advised him that the composition of the port City economic commission will be amended to require a majority of the members of the commissions to be Sri Lankan Citizens.

Jayawardena PC was appearing for the Secretary to the Finance Ministry S.R. Attygalle and Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers Donald Fernando, who were intervenient petitioners.

Additional Solicitor General Jameel pointed out that the President who is the Commander-in-Chief and the Executive of the country is empowered by law to claim land on the shore of the island as well as land reclaimed from the sea.

The counsel further pointed out that the Colombo Port City Special economic zone is a special economic zone and not an area that falls under the portfolio of Provincial Councils and Local Government.

The Additional Solicitor General pointed out that this special economic zone that was created in furtherance of the policy of the nation does not include any provisions detrimental to the nation.

The Supreme Court bench yesterday postponed the further consideration of petitions challenging the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Draft Bill, until today morning (23).

On Wednesday Romesh de Silva PC said it was the President who is ultimately responsible for the administration of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Colombo Port City.

Refuting the allegations levelled by petitioners that there is no regulatory body to scrutinise the activities of the Colombo Port City Project, De Silva said even the Master Plan of the project would be prepared in consultation with the President.

The Commission pertaining to the Colombo Port City Project is appointed by the President.

 “When the executive power is vested with the President, it does not need anybody else’s consent. The establishment of commission is well within the four corners of our Constitution. The executive power of the people is exercised by the President,” he further said.

He said that Secretary to the President is agreeable to appoint a few members of the Commission from Sri Lankan citizens. de Silva also said the appointments made by the President can be challenged in Court.

de Silva also informed the Court that none of the petitioners has challenged the concept of Special Security Zone (SEZ) because of its significance for the advancement of the national economy.

 “Most of the petitioners including Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), United National Party (UNP) and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) have agreed that it is necessary to have a SEZ. That is an agreed concept. Nobody is challenging the concept of SEZ.

Govt. should widen discussion on Port City Bill for fuller benefits: Ranil