Under attack from all sides over the controversial Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, the Sri Lankan government defended the move, saying the city will not become a Chinese colony. 

According to a report in Colombopage, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Sri Lankan state minister for finance, said the purpose of the bill is to facilitate investment in the city. The bill, he claimed, would be a turning point for the country’s economy. 

The proposed bill has already been challenged in the country’s apex court. As many as four political parties and civil society organizations have filed petitions in the court. They alleged the bill would put the port city beyond the ambit of the country’s existing laws. 

Some of them even alleged that the city would become a Chinese colony. The bill also grants special powers and judicial immunity to the members of the proposed commission. 

The minister clarified there is nothing of any concern with regard to the jurisdiction of this country. “Jurisdiction is exercised through the Port Commission law. Not that they are released from all jurisdiction, they are having to comply the laws of the country through the Port Commission Act, not any other Act,” he claimed.