Govt. fishing in troubled waters by trying to pass Port City Bill: Tilvin

By Ajith Siriwardana   

The Government was fishing in troubled waters by trying to pass the Port City Economic Commission Bill in Parliament in a hurry without allowing for an adequate discussion in the society, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna alleged yesterday.   

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva told a news conference that there should be a broad discussion about this Bill in the society as it was a decisive matter concerning the sovereignty of the country. “People are concerned about their lives and struggling to save themselves from the COVID pandemic. The government is trying to pass this controversial Bill in a hurry. There should be an adequate discussion about this Bill among the people. However, the Government was trying to get it passed in parliament before such a discussion,” he said.   

He said people were not in a position to stage their protest against this Bill due to the travel restrictions and flood situations in several Districts. “People have been prevented from registering their protest. Due to the prevailing situation in the country, there is no chance for any discussion, protests, leaflet campaigns or seminars,” he said.   
Mr. Silva said this Bill should not be allowed to be passed because once it is passed it cannot be withdrawn just like Gazette notifications that were withdrawn recently.

• This Bill should not be allowed to be passed because once it was passed  it cannot be withdrawn just like Gazette notifications that were  withdrawn recently