NGOs and activists agitate against Port City project

Some NGOs and activists against the Colombo Port City project have decided to agitate on their own without any political affiliation.

At a meeting held in Negombo, some members of the group decided to align with a Leftist party to further their cause. However, a strong decision was made by the core group which unanimously vetoed political affiliation.

They also decided to carry out a grass roots campaign from Kochchikade in Negombo to Hendala, where they will educate the fisher folk on the dangers of the of the reclamation of the sea for the Port City, and the dangers it would cause to the environment. Rev.Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda, a lead activist in this group told the Sunday Observer that China had a hidden agenda and their activities would have a drastic impact on the island.

He also said that so far there had been no transparency about the agreement between the government and the Chinese company. "No matter what happens we are against the Port City project", Fr. Iddamalgoda said "Only time will tell that we are right. The fact that it is called a Financial City is proof that it is for profit at any cost, one cannot serve god and mammon at the same time" he added.