The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, today we debate the Colombo Port City Economic Commission. The Port City was brought with high expectations — to become a hub like Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong and uplift Sri Lanka’s economy. We must assess how far those expectations have been met, what works are needed to make it successful, what development plans and technologies to deploy, to make this a high-tech, fintech-driven business centre.

¶ 02 Sri Lanka is said to be gradually recovering from bankruptcy. How much has the Port City contributed to this recovery? There are also concerns that a part of our sovereignty has been lost through the Port City’s creation.

¶ 03 During a previous administration, Hambantota Port, Mattala Airport and the Port City were built at huge cost. Have they contributed proportionately to the economy, or were they prestige projects? Whatever the past, the Port City must indeed be high-tech and fintech-driven.

¶ 04 In 1977, President J.R. Jayewardene spoke of transforming Sri Lanka like Singapore; we know what happened thereafter. Hence, instead of only theoretical talk, we must implement practical, constructive actions to raise living standards and the economy, with suitable legal reforms.

¶ 05 Beyond today’s topic, I must address current issues. There is a fuel shortage; talk of power cuts; and black-market hoarding of fertilizers, pesticides and even liquid disinfectants, being resold at higher prices. This causes severe hardship to farmers. Those engaged in hoarding must be brought before the law and stopped, ensuring fair prices and access.

¶ 06 On dengue eradication assistants: I raised with the Hon. Minister of Health the need to regularize excess staff by March. Those without O/L passes have reportedly been appointed; those who passed O/L await appointments — this disparity should be addressed.

¶ 07 The President of the Jaffna University Students’ Union has been summoned by the TID today, creating fear again among Northern people. If there are shortcomings in student activities, identify root causes and rectify them, rather than creating an atmosphere of fear.

¶ 08 The PTA and the State of Emergency laws were long criticized by international human rights bodies as oppressive. Even the present Public Security Ordinance is now being applied in ways that can affect journalists and the public. As a democratic country, we must handle matters with rights-respecting laws.

¶ 09 Finally, ensure that the expected revenues and public benefits from the Port City are realized quickly so that people build a positive outlook.

¶ 10 Thank you.