Minister Patalee Champika Ranawaka, addressing the media at a recently held press conference called by the Megapolis Ministry,
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said that the biggest complaints concerning the project have been received by fishermen. He said Fishermen complain that the Port City project is affecting them, their jobs, and their day to day lives and the large scale quarrying of rocks is affecting the environment and the people.
These complaints have been noted and a special effort is being made to take organized action to solve these matters. We will not be ruled by political slogans and common charges. We hope to work with relevant and existing organisations to minimise any social issues, if they arise in the future. Our hope is to fully develop our economy with this project. Even though this concept of reclaiming the sea and building a city on it might be new to us, it is not so for the rest of the world. There were several suspicions and allegations that this city will affect our national security and that of other countries, but this is not the case. This city will become a paradise open to everyone. It will have scope for educational activities, the health sector, cultural activities as well as international conferences and exhibitions.
The previous plans for the Port City has been changed in many advantageous ways, and we have implemented strong, legal and environmental foundations as well as developed mechanisms to deal with social issues. This project is a step forward towards the rapid growth and development of our economy.