WCT to be fast-tracked
View(s):The development of the West Container Terminal (WCT) is being fast- tracked as the Adani Group this month has tendered their agreement to the draft BOT agreement.
In this respect, it is learnt that the Attorney General’s Department has issued verbal instructions for the draft BOT (Build Order and Transfer) agreement should be compiled with the comments of the Attorney General and the Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee (CANC).
According to a letter from the Ports and Shipping Ministry to the Chairman Ports Authority it has been stated that the BOT agreement has to be finalised and obtain legal clearance from the AG’s Department to initiate the BOT agreement and announce the date on which this could be carried out.
Prompt actions have been requested in meeting these requirements of initiating the BOT agreement, the letter states.
The Attorney General’s Department raised a number of concerns regarding the development of the Colombo South Port in Sir Lanka – WCT and which had been discussed at a meeting held on March 4, 2021.
It has been stated in the Guidelines on Government Tender Procedure that “Line Ministries, Agencies and BOI/BII receiving unsolicited proposals should have them processed according to the procedures applicable to solicited proposals.” It has also been noted that “No decision should be taken solely on the basis of unsolicited offers without inviting proposals/bids through public advertisement.” However if deviation “become necessary” then “specific Cabinet approval should be obtained for such deviation”.