The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we are debating an Amendment to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021. Under Section 52(3) of the original Act, tax incentives could be granted to investments in the Port City. The Amendment does not remove that power but streamlines it with clearer regulations and limits. The Ministry of Finance will provide the Commission authority to grant tax incentives, while requiring technical analyses, minimum investment thresholds, minimum employment creation, and periodic monitoring to ensure strategic value and long-term economic benefit. This replaces blanket, unconditional concessions with a rules-based scheme.

¶ 02 Additionally, the Amendment enhances ongoing monitoring to assess whether the incentives and investments continue to deliver economic benefits, and it aligns payment and compliance matters back under national tax administration and oversight. The aim is not to discourage investment but to integrate it better with economic goals through a transparent scheme.

¶ 03 I must also respond to inappropriate content raised earlier. Some Members made statements in Parliament using vulgar language under the guise of discussing culture and children. This is a dignified House watched by students and the public. Free speech here should be used to convey substantive policy points, not filth. This House should be ashamed when such language is used.

¶ 04 Regarding Venezuela, much confusion has been created by contrasting party and Government statements. The Minister at the Cabinet briefing clearly said parties may hold views, but the Government’s position aligns with international law and UN principles—respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and opposition to violations of the UN Charter. That is what every country expects. Political parties’ rhetoric differs from State positions in tone and structure; that is normal. But the Government’s stance is clear and consistent with international norms. We must speak on public policy substantively, not reduce it to simplistic soundbites. Thank you.