Opinion
Conflict of interest?
There has been an announcement recently that Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody, who is now the Chairman of the Colombo Port City Economic Authority, has also been appointed the Chairman of the Board of Investment Sri Lanka (BOI). While the Port City economy may, to some extent, be complementary to the mainland Sri Lankan economy, there are also features – like foreign investments, tax arrangements etc., that could be competitive, conflictual and even inimical to mainland Sri Lanka. In this context, Weerakkody’s appointment could lead to a conflict of interest.
In these circumstances it is appropriate for the government to look into this matter. Institutions like the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Institute of Policy Studies or some other reputable organization should undertake an indepth analysis of the relationship between the Port City and the mainland economy. The public should be made aware of the implications of this relationship.
Leelananda de Silva
