Fundamental rights of citizens are being violated as residents of Colombo Port City remain unable to cast their ballots in local council elections, warned MP S.M. Marikkar, Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development.
During a recent meeting with officials, Marikkar pointed out that while Port City residents are registered under the Colombo District, they cannot vote in local council elections.
“If there is a presidential or parliamentary election, they can cast their ballots under Colombo District. But in a local council election, they have no place to vote. This is a violation of their fundamental rights,” he said, adding that a separate local council may need to be created specifically for Port City.
Officials, however, noted that a 2019 Gazette issued by the Minister of Internal and Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government had already included Port City land as part of the Colombo Administrative District under Section 3 of the Administrative Districts Act No. 22 of 1995.
They argued that this addresses concerns regarding district‑level representation.
Marikkar countered that while the Gazette ensures inclusion for islandwide and district elections, it does not resolve the issue of local authority representation.
He cautioned that if the matter is taken to court, it could delay the Port City project. (Newswire)