In a significant judgement, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court has ruled as unconstitutional certain provisions of a bill that provides for setting up the Colombo Port City Commission to govern a Chinese-built new commercial zone. The apex court in its verdict directed that those clauses required to be passed by a special majority and a referendum as they were unconstitutional.

 The Supreme Court judgment on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill was announced in parliament by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

Abeywardena told Parliament that the Supreme Court had determined that certain provisions of the Port City Economic Commission Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution, and directed that those clauses required to be passed by a special majority and a referendum as they were unconstitutional.

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.

While the government stressed the need for a powerful commission to attract foreign investments, some of the petitioners stated that the setting up of a separate commission is unconstitutional and the zone will become a "Chinese Colony".  

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. He presented the amendments to the five-judge bench via a document and said the proposed bill does not reduce the powers of regulators, such as the Central Bank. 

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)