AJITH SIRIWARDANA 
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Packer's project approved
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The two gazette notifications on mega projects by Australia’s business tycoon James Packer and JKH Waterfronts were passed in Parliament with a majority of 65 and 68 votes respectively this evening while Government ally JHU voted against both projects.
The gazette notifications of James Packer received 109 votes in favour and 44 against while the gazette notifications of JKH Waterfronts received 112 votes in favour and 44 against.
The JHU MPs Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera and Minister Champika Ranawaka voted against the two gazette notifications.
The SLMC, Wimal Weerawansa’s JNP and Rishard Bathiudeen were absent at the time of voting.
Despite accusations by the opposition about cultural and social implications, the government stressed the need to develop Integrated Tourism Resorts in Sri Lanka to attract Chinese tourists in particular.
Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane said Chinese tourists undertook the highest number of foreign travel for tourism purposes and therefore Sri Lanka should be able to attract them in larger numbers.
He said the Chinese spent as much as US $130 billion last year.
“In China, only five per cent of the people hold passports. Even with such a small percentage of the total population, Chinese travel abroad as tourists. They are also the highest-spending tourists. A Chinese tourist spends an average of US$1230,” he said.
The minister hailed John Keells Company for its diverse investments making a great contribution to the economy.
He said Sri Lanka had also been able to attract a key Australian investor.
“This investor has described Sri Lanka the most attractive place for investment in the region,” he said.(KB & YP)
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