China expects speedy review of the Colombo Port City project

The Chinese government is hopeful that the review of the stalled Colombo Port City project by the Sri Lankan Government would be completed as soon as possible, Yi Xianliang, the new Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka told journalists in Colombo on Tuesday. The contractor, China Communications Construction Company has gone through due procedure and has followed all its legal obligations, he revealed during a briefing at the embassy. He urged both the government and the Chinese company concerned to observe the rule of law and keep mutual trust and confidence in each other in the implementation of the project. The construction of this project will provide a great impetus to the urban development of Colombo, local economic development and the improvement of Sri Lanka's national image, he said. This project will be of great significance for Sri Lanka's economic development, especially attracting foreign investment and promoting local tourism and therefore all matters should be sorted out maintaining close relations between the two countries, he emphasised. Mr. Xianliang noted that the embassy hopes to maintain close contacts with the media to disseminate credible information on Chinese-aided projects, trade and investment in Sri Lanka. (Bandula)