The Members representing the Colombo Port City Economic Commission stated that the food stalls at the Colombo Port City (CPC) falls under leisure activities and will be removed by March 2027. This was stated in response to the questioning of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) on the legality of the establishment of such food stalls whilst the CPC was designed mainly targeting foreign investments.

The discussion was held at the COPF meeting held 12 September in Parliament, Chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva. The Committee took into consideration the Regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021 scheduled to be present in Parliament on 19 September.

The Committee further inquired from the Commission members the legal basis that they decided to permit the establishment of such food stalls and on what grounds will they be removed by 2027. The Committee further questioned whether the Attorney General has been consulted on this regard.  

The Committee instructed the Colombo Port City Economic Commission and the Attorney General's Department to submit information on this regard to the Committee as soon as possible.

The Committee further inquired regarding the revenue received by the Government by the ongoing activities at the port city. The Committee instructed the officials to submit all details with regard to this for a better understanding prior to granting approval for the Regulations.