61-580: The Colombo Port City Economic Commission is a government entity in Sri Lanka, established in 2021, which is entrusted and authorised, by way of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021, with the administration, regulation and control of, all matters connected with businesses and other operations, in and from the area of authority of Colombo Port City . The Colombo Port City Economic Commission
122-563: A pardon . The president has immunity from both civil and criminal proceedings. The president has the power to commission public inquires by appointing a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate any issue. President of Sri Lanka is the nation's Chief Diplomat. Through this role, they are responsible for carrying out negotiations with foreign leaders and their governments and appoint diplomatic agents . The president has an important ceremonial role in terms of state ceremonies, functions, and awarding state awards. Most notable would be
183-664: A consideration for the knowledge, expertise, experience, and national or international recognition in fields relevant to the objectives of the Commission, such as Investment, Finance, Law, Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or Accountancy. Members serve a term of three years. The President of Sri Lanka has appointed seven members to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission. Port City Colombo Port City Colombo ( Sinhala : කොළඹ වරාය නගරය, romanised: Koḷam̆ba Warāya Nagaraya )
244-475: A favourable environment for business, investment, and lifestyle. Some of these include: The Port City was claimed to be a concept of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa , who was apparently inspired while inspecting the landfill being constructed for the Colombo South port. The modern Port City Colombo was based on a concept proposal submitted by China Harbour Engineering Company The construction
305-576: A mixed development project, with the investment value totaling $ 1 billion. The project includes residential, commercial and retail assets set to break ground in mid-2021. This is the first major investment in Port City Colombo. Fintech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL) has launched an initiative to draft a report titled, Enhancing Colombo International Financial City (Port City Colombo) as a Leading Fintech Hub in South Asia to submit to
366-518: A second term.” But "A person succeeding to the office of the President under the provisions of article 40 of the constitution shall not be entitled to exercise the right conferred above." Succession to or vacancies in the office of president may arise under several possible circumstances: death or incapacity, resignation, or removal from office. In the case when the president is unable to perform their duties, their powers are temporarily transferred to
427-553: Is a multi-services special economic zone located in Colombo , Sri Lanka , which is currently under construction on reclaimed land adjacent to the Galle Face Green . The land reclamation work had been completed as of January 2019. In 2017, the cost was slated to be US$ 15 billion. Port City Colombo is a multi-billion-dollar FDI-funded Public Private Partnership (PPP). Port City Colombo aims to facilitate connections to
488-667: Is eligible to serve two terms. According to the Article 31 (3A) of the Constitution, The Term of office starts from the Date of the Inauguration of the President and he can call an early Presidential election after expiration of 4 years of his first term. If the elected President did not call can early Presidential election, the next Presidential election shall take place not more than two months and not less than one month before
549-737: Is governed by an independent authority and will not be subject to the Colombo Municipal Council . A special legal framework would enable it to operate on a subset of commercial law , in terms of contracts and commercial transactions with its own Special Colombo oFinancial Court serving as the court of first instance and provision of appeal to the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka . It would have its own international commercial dispute resolution center for arbitration proceedings. Port City Colombo consists of around 269 hectares of reclaimed land where all land titles are vested with
610-450: Is ranked at the level of a cabinet minister in the order of precedence . Apart from a bar of standing for election for a third term as President, a former President has no restriction from holding any other office. While most Presidents retired from public life after their tenure, Mahinda Rajapaksa continued to engage in active politics after his term in office, serving as a Member of Parliament for Kurunegala from 2015 to 2024, Leader of
671-564: Is tasked with a wide array of responsibilities aimed at overseeing and promoting the Colombo Port City . These duties encompass the issuance of registrations, licenses, and authorizations, regulatory supervision of investments, and leasing of land within the Port City area. As a central authority, the Commission functions as a Single Window Investment Facilitator, streamlining the process for investors and businesses to operate within
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#1732801020755732-612: Is the head of state and head of government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka . The president is the chief executive of the union government and the commander-in-chief of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces . The powers, functions and duties of prior presidential offices, in addition to their relation with the Prime minister and Government of Sri Lanka , have over time differed with
793-914: Is to be constructed between the southern edge of the new Colombo South Port and the Fort lighthouse. The total area of sea to be reclaimed is 269 ha (660 acres). As a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) governed by the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC), Port City Colombo aims to be a business-friendly environment for investors. The SEZ includes tax incentives and exemptions of up to 25 years for Businesses of Strategic Importance (BSIs), transactions in 16 designated foreign currencies with no capital or exchange controls, 100% foreign ownership of businesses, 100% capital and profit repatriation, and flexible employee management practices. Employees will additionally benefit from 0% personal income tax, remuneration in foreign currency, and
854-730: The Parliament of Sri Lanka approved the Port City Commission Bill to establish the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone and Economic Commission. Under this law, companies can be exempt from all taxes, personal, corporate, excise, import, and every other tax for up to forty years. Port City Colombo is located in the metropolis of Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is positioned within South Asian trade routes. The master planned city
915-700: The President of Sri Lanka ; the initiative is being assisted by a number of fintech experts globally and Professor Douglas Arner , Kerry Holdings Professor in Law at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) as the chief consultant. Before land was reclaimed for the development of Port City Colombo, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) were conducted to make sure the construction of the Special Economic Zone follows sustainable practices. The layout and
976-566: The Westminster system with a more semi-presidential system . The presidency became an executive post based closely on the French model , and was now both head of state and head of government, with a longer term and independent from Parliament . The president was the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, head of the cabinet of ministers, and has the power to dissolve and call a parliament. The prime minister would serve as both an assistant and
1037-464: The presidential yacht . President's Security Division (PSD) is the main unit charged with the close protection of the President of Sri Lanka. During President Mahinda Rajapakse 's time in office the specialized Army unit the ' President's Guard ' was formed for Presidential Security. Prior to the formation of the President's Guard, army personnel served as a squadron under the President's Security Division since 1996 and focused on key tasks including
1098-466: The prime minister until confirmed by Parliament. According to the Article 40 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka , "If the office of President shall become vacant prior to the expiration of his term of office, Parliament shall elect as President one of its Members who is qualified to be elected to the office of President. Any person so succeeding to the office of President shall hold office only for
1159-608: The prime minister , cabinet and non-cabinet ministers , provincial governors , public officers , ambassadors and commissioned officers of the armed forces. The president may also appoint secretaries, officers, and staff. The president would have the power to appoint and remove, the chief justice , justices of the Supreme Court , justices of the Court of Appeal and judges of the High Court . The president may grant
1220-612: The resignation of President Rajapaksa . In both times, they were succeeded by then Prime Ministers; D. B. Wijetunga in 1993 and Ranil Wickremesinghe in 2022. At the time of the Creation of office in 1972, the term of the office of the President was a term of six years. After the Introduction of the Executive Presidency in 1978, The President is elected by Popular vote and shall hold the office for 6 years and
1281-463: The secretary to the president (also known as the president's secretary ), who is the most senior civil servant in the country. The president has the ability to appoint any number of advisers as presidential advisers . The highest-ranking of which is known as senior advisers . During his tenure, President Mahinda Rajapaksa had appointed 38 advisers. The chief of staff is the highest-ranking officer that handles presidential staff.Currently
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#17328010207551342-550: The Ceylon Independence Act of 1947 and The Ceylon (Constitution and Independence) Orders in Council 1947, Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was known then) became a constitutional monarchy with a Westminster parliamentary form of government. The monarch of Ceylon served as the head of state , represented by the governor-general with the prime minister serving as the head of government . The governor-general replaced
1403-592: The Colombo Port City. The Commission is also responsible for developing and enforcing community rules and development control regulations to ensure that all activities align with the Master Plan of Colombo Port City . The Colombo Port City Economic Commission is composed of five to seven members, including the Chairperson, all appointed by the President of Sri Lanka. The appointments are made with
1464-733: The Government of Sri Lanka. At a question and answer section in July 2018, the Prime Minister stated that the land reclamation would be finished within one year and that construction should begin by next year, and that the government seeking assistance in establishing the legal construct for the administrative area. This was successfully completed in January 2019 according to the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development. The project
1525-418: The President can dismiss both the national and state governments from power in 3 situations: corruption, treason, and inability to govern. The president has the right to attend Parliament once in every three months, but is not entitled to vote. They have the right to address or send messages to Parliament and to summon, prorogue and dissolve Parliament. The president makes numerous appointments which include
1586-474: The Private Secretary to the President. A window of a former president is entitled to a monthly secretarial allowance, equal to the current salary of the Private Secretary to a cabinet minister . A former president and the widow of a former president are entitled to official transport and all such other facilities provided to a cabinet minister. A former President or the widow of a former president
1647-740: The South Asian market through investment opportunities, international business environments, world-class infrastructure, and high-quality sustainable living. Upon completion, Port City Colombo will feature five distinct precincts: the Financial District, Central Park Living, Island Living, the Marina, and the International Island. The city will additionally encompass over 6.4 million square metres of new developments in residences, healthcare, education, entertainment, hotels, restaurants, retail, and commercial complexes. In May 2021,
1708-487: The administrative functions of the presidency and other ministerial portfolios that are held by the president. Initially located at President's House , the staff of the office of the president grew with the establishment of the executive presidency and moved into the former Parliament building in Colombo in the 1980s which now hosts the Presidential Secretariat. The Presidential Secretariat is headed by
1769-534: The consolidated fund. It was increased from LKR 25,000 (≈ $ 500) to LKR 100,000 in 2006. By tradition, the president and past presidents are not subjected to income tax . This practice dates back to the pre-republic era when the crown was not subject to tax . In 2018, this practice was changed with the Inland Revenue Bill which removed the tax exemption given to the President. The president has immunity from both civil or criminal proceedings, during
1830-405: The construction is completed, Port City Colombo is expected to have a non-motorised transport system that encourages walking and cycling through shaded walkways and an integrated Light Rail Transit (LRT) system . President of Sri Lanka [REDACTED] The president of Sri Lanka ( Sinhala : ශ්රී ලංකා ජනාධිපති Śrī Lankā Janādhipathi ; Tamil : இலங்கை ஜனாதிபதி Ilankai janātipati )
1891-422: The country caved into a severe economic crisis , and as result, mass anti-government protests erupted across Sri Lanka. The protesters demanded for then-incumbent president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his government step down. The protestors also demanded amendments to the Constitution of Sri Lanka and to reduce the powers of the President. After Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation, prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
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1952-476: The country or any part under a state of emergency , under which they can override any law passed and promulgate any regulation without needing legislative approval. However, to prolong the state of emergency for more than 6 months, parliamentary approval is needed. In case of external invasion, a state of national defense can be proclaimed, which allows the government extraordinary powers. Martial law can be declared in provinces under extraordinary conditions. Further,
2013-426: The date of taking a public oath of office for the elected term. The President of Sri Lanka is elected through a system of limited ranked voting . Voters can express up to three ranked preferences for the presidency. If no candidate receives more than 50% of all valid votes in the first count, all candidates except the two who received the highest number of votes are eliminated. The second and third preference votes of
2074-404: The deputy to the president and also the president's successor. The 17th Constitutional Amendment introduced in 2001 reduced certain powers of the president, in particular in regard to the appointment of the upper judiciary and independent commissions such as the election commission or the bribery and corruption commission. In 2010, the highly controversial 18th Amendment to the constitution
2135-505: The development of the city’s infrastructure are meant to support sustainability and the Port City Colombo’s master plan includes several green spaces across the plot. Development Control Regulations also incentivise developers who meet green building standards. Port City Colombo is following eco-friendly infrastructure development practices by opting for sustainable design, renewable energy, and energy-efficient building standards. Once
2196-485: The eliminated candidates are then redistributed to the remaining two candidates until one of them secures an outright majority. Article 31 (3A)(a)(i) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, states that, the "President may, at any time after the expiration of four years from the commencement of his first term of office, by Proclamation, declare his intention of appealing to the People for a mandate to hold office, by election, for
2257-479: The elite Special Task Force (STF) of the Sri Lanka Police . After the oath of office has been taken by the elected president, a presidential flag was adopted by the president as the insignia of their office. Each president had a unique standard, incorporating traditional symbols associated with the president or their home region. This was the case until Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe abolished
2318-510: The expiration of the term of the incumbent President. 19th Amendment to the Constitution reduced the term of office to Five years and the Incumbent President can call an early Presidential election after the expiration of four years of his first term. Furthermore, Article 31 (3A) of the Constitution states that an any person succeeding to the office of President under the provisions of Article 40 shall not be entitled to exercise
2379-433: The government of Sri Lanka. The president would receive letter of credence from foreign ambassadors. The president may appoint provincial governors to head the provincial council and serve as their representative in the province. The president may also appoint any number of advisers as presidential advisers and coordinate secretaries to assist them. The president has the power to appoint senior attorneys-at-law to
2440-544: The individual. A widow of a former president would receive a monthly pension which the former president was entitled to drawn from the Consolidated Fund. As per the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986 , a former president or the widow of a former president is entitled to an official residence. A former president is entitled to a monthly secretarial allowance equal to the current salary of
2501-568: The investor. Construction of the Port City Colombo project was launched on 17 September 2014 by former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping . The Port City Colombo was suspended after end of the Rajapaksa government in 2015 due to alleged claims related to sovereignty of Sri Lanka and adverse environmental impacts. The Port City Colombo
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2562-419: The key provisions in 21st Amendment is disqualifying dual-citizens from contesting in elections in Sri Lanka . The article 31 Constitution of Sri Lanka sets the following qualifications for holding the presidency: The president is elected to office in a presidential election held nationwide for a five-year term. An elected president can serve for a maximum of two terms, with each term taking effect from
2623-457: The perimeter security of the presidential residence, Temple Trees . 5th Regiment Sri Lanka Armored Corps was the first army unit chosen to be in the dedicated security of the president of Sri Lanka during the presidency of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga . However, in April 2015, President Maithripala Sirisena dissolved the President's Guard. Currently the president's security is provided by
2684-473: The position is vacant after Dissanayake took office in 2024. The president may appoint any number of coordinating secretaries to assist him/her. The president is the chair of the Board of Governors of the President's Fund which was established under the President's Fund Act No. 7 of 1978 to provide funds for relief of poverty, access to special healthcare, advancement of education or knowledge, advancement of
2745-406: The position of President's Counsel . The president may appoint officers from the armed forces to serve as their aide-de-camp as well as extra-aide-de-camp. Additionally, the president may appoint medical officers of the armed forces as Honorary Physician to the President and Honorary Surgeon to the President. The president receives a monthly salary (as of 2016) of LKR 100,000 (≈ $ 1,000) paid from
2806-472: The position of the Governor of British Ceylon , who had previously exercised executive control over the entire island since 1815. In 1972, the new Republican Constitution declared Sri Lanka a parliamentary republic with a president as head of state. The president was a largely ceremonial figure; real power remained vested in the prime minister. In 1978, the second amendment to the Constitution replaced
2867-675: The president uses the presidential state car , which is an armored black Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S600) Pullman Guard. For Domestic air travel, helicopters from the No. 4 (VVIP/VIP) Helicopter Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force are used. For foreign travel, Special or Regular Flights of the Sri Lankan Airlines are used. During ceremonial occasions, ships and boats of the Sri Lanka Navy have been commissioned as
2928-467: The presidential flag. The 'Attaché Case', Presidential Dispatch Bag carries important and secret documents wherever president is traveling. This was specifically designed by Sri Lanka Army . President will hand over the Dispatch Bag from one President to the next in line. The Presidential Secretariat is the government ministry that functions as the office and staff of the president, supporting
2989-453: The provision of preferential visas of 5–10 years (for spouses and children). The Colombo Port City SEZ plans to carry out business operations in key service-oriented sectors such as IT/ITes (IT-enabled services), finance services, shipping logistics and maritime services, professional services, corporate headquarters operations, tourism, entertainment, and sustainable development. Future developments at Port City Colombo are focused on creating
3050-458: The religion and culture, providing awards to persons who have served the nation and for any other purposes beneficial or of interest to the public. It is administered by the Presidential Secretariat. Under the Constitution of Sri Lanka, a former president will be granted a pension equal to the last pay drawn while in office drawn from the Consolidated Fund. This pension would be in addition to any other pension to which any prior service will entitle
3111-482: The right to call an early Presidential election and will hold the office till expiration of the term of his Predecessor. Duties of the president as described in the constitution are to: Presidents have little constraints on their power. The president shall be responsible to Parliament and can be impeached and removed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The president may declare war and peace. They can place
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#17328010207553172-517: The tenure of office and acts carried out during this period. The official residence of the president in Colombo is the President's House (formerly the Queen's House as the residence of the governor-general). The government pays for meals and staff. Other presidential residences include: In recent years from time to time Prime Minister's House , commonly referred to as Temple Trees , which has been
3233-493: The traditional throne speech delivered by the president to the parliament outlining the official policy statement of the new government to the parliament. The president would lead the independence day celebrations as well as other national ceremonies such as remembrance day , Wap Magul (ceremonial ploughing) and receive the Perahera Sandeshaya . National honours would be awarded by the president on behalf of
3294-464: The traditional residence of the prime minister since 1948, has been used by some presidents such as Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa . Other presidents, such as Jayewardene and Sirisena , have refused to use the President's House, with the former preferring to stay at his personal residence in Braemar , and the latter at his former ministerial residence at Wijayarama Mawatha. For ground travel,
3355-481: The unexpired period of the term of office of the President vacating office. Until the election of a successor, the powers and functions of the office of the President will discharged by the Prime Minister in his capacity as Acting president ." Throughout the history, Office of the President has fallen vacant two times; first in 1993, after the Assassination of then President Premadasa and again in 2022, after
3416-563: The various constitutional documents since the creation of the office. The president appoints the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka who can command the confidence of the Parliament of Sri Lanka . Anura Kumara Dissanayake is the 10th and current president, having assumed office on 23 September 2024, after being declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election . Under the Soulbury Constitution which consisted of
3477-440: Was elected president by the parliament. In October 2022, the 21st Constitutional Amendment was introduced as plan to empower the parliament over the executive president and curbs some of the powers of the president. Under the 21st Amendment, the President, Cabinet of Ministers and National Council are all held accountable to the parliament. Fifteen Committees and Oversight Committees are also accountable to parliament. One of
3538-590: Was around three months ahead of its targeted completion as of January 2019. China Daily reported in April 2019 that the hydro structural construction would be complete by the middle of 2019, with the construction of municipal facilities being completed by July 2020. The Road Development Authority had sent approval for the new road network and piling work had begun for the nine bridged by January 2019. By December 2020, Sri Lankan conglomerate LOLC Holdings leased out five land parcels amounting to $ 200 million and signed an agreement with China Harbour Engineering for
3599-423: Was defeated by Maithripala Sirisena . The 19th Constitutional Amendment undid much of the changes done by the 18th Amendment. The two-term limit was restored by president Maithripala Sirisena. The amendment required the president to consult the prime minister on ministerial appointments. It curtailed any president's immunity by making them liable to fundamental rights litigation on any official act. In 2022,
3660-413: Was introduced in order to remove the two-term limit for the presidency. The 18th amendment allowed the incumbent president to serve multiple terms as well as increase their power by replacing the broader constitutional council with a limited parliamentary council . This amendment was introduced by president Mahinda Rajapaksa and he later went on to run for a third term of presidency in 2015 , wherein he
3721-534: Was set to begin in March 2011 but due to several circumstances the project was put on hold. In mid 2012, the Sri Lankan Ports Authority (SLPA) announced that the construction of the then Port City Colombo project would commence on 17 September 2014. The budget was estimated to be $ 1.4 billion. The reclamation was to be carried out by China Harbor Engineering Corporation, who has been engaged by
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