Colombo Port City, still remains undecided

Environmental groups raised objection over the failure of political parties to address the issue of Colombo Port City project as none of them had clearly mentioned what action they would take on the project if elected.

Director of the Environment Conservation Trust, Sajeewa Chamikara said the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) had mentioned in their manifesto that they would not go ahead with development projects which are harmful to the country and its people.

He said however the United National Party (UNP) which expressed sentiments against the Port City project during the previous presidential election had not mentioned in their manifesto what action they would take with regard to the project.

“It seem the project would continue regardless of the fact that it had been suspended over many objections, environmental issues and the pending Court case. The Court was informed recently that the Colombo Port City. The sea erosion had been increased in coastal areas and the livelihood of the fishermen from Colombo to Negombo had been affected as the fish production had been affected from the implementation of the project.

Chamikara said that about 16 millions of block cubes had been estimated to complete the project and added only a few number of cubes were available in the entire Western Province for the project.

Meanwhile, he alleged the construction of Central Expressway had also commenced ignoring environmental impacts and said the opinions of the people had been left unheard when commencing the project.

“Before, implementing any development projects it is vital that the authorities pay attention to the opinions of the public. One month of time should be given for the people to raise their objections if there are any and to make comment on the project which is the standard procedure,” he said.

He said the Port City project had caused enough damage to the environment though construction had only begun and said the project should be terminated leaving no room for more repercussions.

He also added the company which carrying out the project had provided funds to a church in Tewatta in an alleged attempt to prevent peoples’ objection to the project originating from the area.