Asian Mirror can now reveal that the government has made a final decision to continue with the Colombo Port City project after what it terms as a “comprehensive review”.

A senior government spokesman told Asian Mirror on Tuesday morning that the comprehensive review” would look into every aspect of the project, including its environmental impact.

“We are going to proceed with this project unless there is something irreparable,” he added. He stated that the government was likely to revise the clause of the agreement which hands over a plot of land to China on an outright basis. The government is expected to make an official statement in this regard today (17) or tomorrow (18). 

However, he added that only the Chinese partner has spent money for the Colombo port City project so far.  Multiple media reports last week stated that the construction process of the Colombo Port City was still being carried out.

The project approximately reclaimed around 230 hectares and it was decided that the Port City would include roads, water, electricity, communication facilities to set up shopping areas, water sports area, mini golf course, hotels, apartments, recreation areas and marinas. According to the initial plan, the there was a move to include a new Formula One track, constructed in the vicinity of the Colombo Harbour.

The National Executive Committee last week decided that only Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should make statements on the controversial Colombo Port City project.

The decision was taken after Ministers Rajitha Senaratne and Lakshman Kiriella had made contradictory statements on the project recently. The National Executive Committee had taken the decision when they met last week.