Pooja Bhakar
Sri Lanka’s SC has declared that certain provisions of the Chinese port city bill, which is opposed by the opposition is inconsistent with the constitution says, the country’s Parliament.
Certain clauses of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill need to be passes with two-thirds majority in the house and through a national referendum; says the Assembly Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.
The USD 1.4 billion port city project has come under severe criticism from opposition parties, which allege that the project violated the country’s sovereignty, the constitution and labour rights. The opposition on this demanded a minimum 3 day debate.
The bill was gazette on March 24 & placed on paper of Parliament on April 9.
Governments rushed action to have the bill passed without allowing adequate time for public scrutiny is being questioned by the opposition.