A Sri Lankan lawmaker belonging to an opposition party has alleged that the Rajapaksa government is planning to sell another 200 acres of prime land to foreigners, adding that it has already been passed by the cabinet.  

JC Alawathuwala, an MP from Samagi Jana Balawegaya, leveled serious allegations against the government on Saturday. He claimed a vast portion of prime land near the Colombo Fort area would soon be up for sale to foreigners. 

Significantly, the MP had already cornered the government on the Port City bill, which was later passed in parliament with certain amendments. On the controversial bill, he claimed that it would convert the port city into a “Chinese colony.”

However, the government dismissed the allegation and said the bill was necessary to expedite the clearance for foreign investment proposals. Later on, the Sri Lankan Supreme court suggested the government either introduce certain changes in the bill or pass it with over two-thirds majority and a referendum. 

Significantly, the Rajapaksa government had came to power in 2019 on the promise of protecting the nation and its assets from foreigners. 

Alawathuwala charged the government with acting in a different way once in power and "selling everything" to foreigners, a euphemism for Chinese investors. 

(SAM)