Port City awaits instructions from Government
CHEC Port City, a subsidiary of China Communication Construction
Company (CCCC) and the project company of the Colombo Port City states
in a media release that the Government is yet to invite the company for
a discussion or issue a directive to the company regarding the project
review process, which is currently underway.
The Project Company has called for an opportunity to express its
concerns regarding the temporary suspension to the Government appointed
Review Committee, and is willing to fully corporate with the committee
during the review process.
The project company complied with the suspension notice issued on
March 6, 2015 immediately and as per the directive given by the
Government, submitted copies of all permits and approvals within two
working days.The company notes the permits and approvals were originally
issued by the relevant competent authorities of the Government and the
Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), clearly directing the company to
commence reclamation work of the Colombo Port City.
In keeping with the agreement signed between the company and the
Government, the responsibility for securing approvals and permits
relating to the project is vested with the Government and SLPA, while
the commercial risk of the project is absorbed by the company, as the
total project development cost of approximately US $ 1.4 billion, will
be invested by the company. As such, the commissioning of the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study and other permits and
consents, in keeping with the agreed Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
structure of the project, were secured by the SLPA and was then referred
to the company. SLPA engaged with the University of Moratuwa, to conduct
the EIA. The company awaits the opportunity to clarify details and
provide necessary information to the Project Review Committee. |