Wijedasa Rajapakshe - Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera Up In Arms Against Port City Bill: Says Legislation Will Create "Separate State"

Muruththuttuwe Ananda Thera, a key supporter of the ruling alliance before the last Presidential election, today expressed strong objections to the Colombo Port City bill.

The Thera was joined by MP Wijedasa Rajapakshe, a member of the ruling party who also expressed the same sentiments about the bill.

"The bill contravenes many other legislations governing the Colombo Municipality area, taxation and the country's internal administration," Rajapakshe added.

The former Minister said the bill would create a 'separate state' within the territory of Sri Lanka.

The bill seeks to set up a high-powered 'Commission', appointed by the President, to handle all activities related to the Colombo Port City.

Addressing a press conference at the Abhayaramaya temple, Narahenpita, Ananda Thera said the current administration was turning Sri Laka into a 'colony'.

He said those who came forward to support the current ruling party would have no qualms about sending them home if the government failed to adhere to the mandate given to them.