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Port City’s first project in two phases

18 May 2021

  • $ 100 b investment; first phase completion by 2025

  The first project of the Colombo Port City, with an investment of $ 100 billion, is to be implemented in two phases, it was revealed at the Committee on Public Finance meeting chaired by Anura Priyadarshana Yapa in Parliament recently. Accordingly, the first phase of the establishment of this international financial centre, which is scheduled to be completed in 2025, will consist of an international-grade high-rise office tower, two high-end residential towers, and a retail podium. Relevant order for recruitment of employees has been presented under the Strategic Development Projects Act. Accordingly, 75% of unskilled workers, skilled workers, and higher-level employees will be recruited locally. However, the Committee on Public Finance emphasised to the Board of Investment (BOI) that such projects, which provide a number of tax concessions, must make a direct contribution to the overall economy of the country and the committee approved the project. In addition, the Committee approved the export-quality tyre manufacturing project of Ceylon Tire Manufacturing Company (Pvt.) Ltd., which is scheduled to commence this July inside the Hambantota International Port premises. This project is expected to commence its commercial operations after 36 months. At this meeting, BOI Chairman Dr. Sanjaya Mohottala stated that although this is a project that will receive huge tax relief, the benefits will accrue to local rubber planters. Committee Chairman Priyadarshana Yapa inquired from the BOI Chairman regarding the systematic increase in rubber production in the country. Meanwhile, State Minister Susil Premajayantha drew the Committee’s attention to the high prices of Sri Lankan domestic products compared to other countries, and Minister Vidura Wickremanayake also said that the tax relief received by foreign companies should flow to local industrialists as well. At this meeting, the BOI Chairman was commended by all members of the Committee on Public Finance, including Dr. Harsha de Silva, for his professionalism. Priyadarshana Yapa, Minister Sarath Weerasekera, State Ministers Premajayantha, Wickramanayake, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, MPs M.A. Sumanthiran, Dilan Perera, Dr. de Silva, Nalin Fernando, Anupa Pasqual, Prof. Ranjith Bandara, Isuru Dodangoda, and Sahan Pradeep were present at the meeting. It is also noteworthy that in the face of the prevailing Covid-19 situation, government officials were contacted online for the Committee in line with the health regulations.


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