US & India trying to sabotage Port City project - SL State Minister

Colombo (News 1st); The United States of America and India are attempting to sabotage the Colombo Port City Project, alleged Sri Lankan State Minister Jayantha Samaraweera on Monday (19), the latest Sri Lankan ruling party member to hit out at the US over the Colombo Port City project. "Their agents are in play in Sri Lanka to sabotage this project," said the State Minister adding the US had gone to extent of claiming that the Colombo Port City will become a hub for money laundering. The State Minister said the Colombo Port City is essential for Sri Lanka and it will become a turning point for the country. The United States of America is attempting to destabilize the country politically and economically to achieve its political objectives, alleged State Minister Kanchana Wijesekera on the 16th of April 2021. He noted that ‘It was the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka who was the first to state the Colombo Port City paves the way for money laundering. Also on the 16th of April, State Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal denied claims that the Colombo Port City will not be regulated under Sri Lankan laws. Cabraal rejected claims that money laundering can take place through Port City, citing that it is unfair to make such claims. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Alaina Teplitz in April warned Sri Lanka of unintended consequences of ‘nefarious actors’ who may try to misuse a China-backed Colombo Port City’s easy business rules as a permissive money laundering haven amid concerns of tax leaks.