Members representing the Colombo Port City Economic Commission have confirmed that food stalls within the Colombo Port City, deemed as leisure activities, will be phased out by March 2027. This decision was prompted by inquiries from the Committee on Public Finance regarding the legality of establishing such stalls in an area primarily designed to attract foreign investments.
The discussion transpired during a session of the Committee on Public Finance in Parliament, chaired by Dr. Harsha de Silva. The committee delved into the regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021, slated for presentation in Parliament on Tuesday, September 19.
The committee sought clarification on the legal basis for permitting these food stalls and the rationale behind their removal by 2027. They also inquired whether the Attorney General had been consulted in this matter. Consequently, the committee instructed the Colombo Port City Economic Commission and the Attorney General’s Department to promptly furnish relevant information.
Additionally, the committee inquired about the revenue generated by government activities within the port city. They directed officials to provide comprehensive details for better understanding before approving the regulations.
Given that the Port City is being developed as a distinct landmass under the Smart City concept, the committee questioned whether elements like wastewater management, renewable energy, and proper sewage systems had been incorporated. The committee emphasized the importance of avoiding issues related to inadequate sewage and wastewater management seen in other parts of the country during Port City development.
It was also revealed that government institutions such as the Road Development Authority, Urban Development Authority, and Water Board have allocated significant funds to facilitate Port City construction and development. In light of this, the committee pressed the Commission to elucidate the benefits that taxpayers would reap from these investments.
In response, the Committee on Public Finance instructed Commission members to provide a breakdown of government expenditures related to the Port City and its infrastructure, along with details on revenue streams.
The Committee meeting included the presence of State Minister Dr. Seetha Arambepola and MPs Chandima Weerakkody, Nimal Lanza, Major Pradeep Undugoda, Premnath C. Dolawatte, Madhura Withanage, and Sumith Udukumbura.
