The Sri Lankan government has backed the Supreme Court’s determinations and amendments on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill that relates to provisions for governing a Chinese-built new commercial zone which critics have dubbed as a "Chinese colony".

Sri Lankan minister Keheliya Rambukwella said in line with the judgment, the draft bill could now be passed with a simple majority in Parliament with the necessary amendments.

Earlier, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena informed Parliament that the Supreme Court had ruled  determination on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill states some clauses are inconsistent with the constitution. Abeywardena further said the court had also advised that it can be made valid if amended or passed through a referendum, and thereby, a special majority or referendum will be required to pass the Bill, Newswire reported.

The debate and vote on the Bill was delayed previously after the Speaker had announced he was yet to receive the Supreme Court’s determination in this regard.

A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya handed over its decision to the Speaker after considering 19 petitions filed against the proposed bill, according to ColomboPage.

The government hopes the project  could attract USD 15 billion in investments, and emerge as a leading business, retail, residential and tourist destination in South Asia.

CHEC Port City Colombo is a joint venture between the state and China Harbour Engineering Company.

(SAM)