An important and timely book with a wealth of material

By Dr. Dayanath Jayasuriya, PC

This collection of essays is a follow-up to a previous seminar covering some of the key issues. The book contains 23 chapters and the texts of an interview with the Indian High Commissioner, a book review and an article on ‘The Chinese Debt Trap is a Myth’ which had appeared in the Atlantic Magazine (USA) in February 2021.The contributors include a distinguished galaxy of academics, President’s Counsel, and commentators on international affairs. 

Dr. Asanga Gunawansa, a leading lawyer with vast experience on Public-Private Partnerships and on free trade zones, has underlined the need to establish an appropriate legal and policy environment. Ill-conceived frameworks have led to many problems in many parts of the world. Sri Lanka has gone through several drafts but not every subsequent draft has been much better than the previous draft. Too many lawyers and law firms have been tinkering with these drafts. 

Laksiri Mendis has offered in his chapter useful tips which should guide policy-makers and legal draftsmen. Harsha Cabral PC has pointed out lessons to be learned from past mistakes. Several chapters such as those by Professor Sirimal Abeyratne, General Daya Ratnayake, Dinesh Weerakkody, Lakshman Siriwardean, Sarah Hettiarartchi and Professor Jeeva Niriella have addressed the economic potential. 

Admiral Colombage, Sarath Wijesinghe PC and several others have looked at the Port City developments from a regional foreign policy perspective. Dr. Palitha Kohona, Yasiru Ranaraja and Maya Majeeran have explored links between the Port City and the One Belt One Road initiative. Chandaka Jayasundera PC has focused on the International Commercial Court within the Port City. Other chapter writers – too numerous to be mentioned in this short review – have described the evolution of the Port City, relevant agreements, its location and engineering aspects.   

The book contains a wealth of material which was not available thus far in the public domain. Each chapter has something new to offer and ponder about. Thus far, much of the debate on the pros and cons of the Colombo Port City in public platforms and the media has been based on misinterpretations and ill-conceived notions. 

A few chapters on the Hambantota Port would have been a useful addition as often references are made to the role of the Chinese in relation to the Hambantota Project. The text of the treaty between China and Sri Lanka and any agreements entered into so far would have further enriched the publication.

The Ambassadors Forum chaired by Sarath Wijesinghe P. C. must be congratulated for editing this important and timely book. It is a book which must surely find a place in all libraries. It is hoped that Sinhala and Tamil translations would be prepared in due course.