In a press conference held today, Pubudu Jayagoda, Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party, presented damning evidence suggesting that foreign entities view Sri Lanka as their colony, exploiting its resources with impunity. Jayagoda highlighted the involvement of foreign powers, regional players, and imperialists in utilizing Sri Lanka’s ports and resources for their gain.
Among the evidence presented were videos and photographs showcasing the importation of sand for the expansion projects at Colombo Port’s East Container Terminal and Jaya Container Terminal. Notably, China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), which secured contracts for the Colombo Harbor City construction, was also awarded contracts for the port expansions.
According to Jayagoda, CHEC’s practices deviate from legal norms, as they source sand from the port city itself instead of the designated area, Muthurajawela, as stipulated in the contracts. This not only raises questions about legality but also environmental concerns regarding the extraction and usage of sea sand without proper processing.
Moreover, Jayagoda raised concerns about tax evasion, estimating that the government loses significant revenue due to undeclared VAT on imported sand worth millions of rupees monthly. He criticized the government’s silence on these matters, contrasting it with its stringent taxation policies on essential goods and services.
The Education Secretary urged the public to challenge this exploitation, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to Sri Lanka’s laws. He warned against complacency, suggesting that without intervention, such abuses would persist, perpetuating Sri Lanka’s subjugation to foreign interests.
