China eyes more infrastructure projects in SL

21 March 2015 02:37 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Despite concerns over the suspension of the Port City Project, China is eying more investments on infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka with one Chinese company having submitted a US$760 million proposal for the upgrading of the railway track from Colombo to Kandy.

Shandong High-Speed Group Co. Ltd. has in its proposal said the travel time between Colombo and Kandy or vice versa could be reduced to one hour and 35 minutes when compared with the excess of three hours now necessary for a train trip from the same distance.

Company officials said the proposal was submitted about a year ago, and still held hopes of securing the project.

Company's Deputy General Manager Zhang Jingping told Sri Lankan journalists who visited Jinan that his company sought to modernize five railway stations including the Colombo Fort Railway Station situated along the rail track.

He said his company would also bid for the construction of the northern expressway.

Both India and China have invested in railway projects in Sri Lanka. The reconstruction of the northern railway line was carried out as an Indian Government-funded project. The train service came to a halt during the height of the armed conflict in the North and East.

During his state visit to Sri Lanka, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged US$380 million under an Indian Line of Credit for the development of the railway sector in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, another Chinese company has invested in the ongoing extension of the Southern railway line up to Beliatta.(Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 10

Kumara Saturday, 21 March 2015 09:42 AM

Excellent project to upgrade the rail track from Colombo to kandy to do the journey in 1 hr and 35 mins.

Euclid Saturday, 21 March 2015 10:05 AM

Dear Voters, this is how the Sri Lanka government does development work. No specifications or tendering process. It is just %%%%.

de silva Saturday, 21 March 2015 11:21 AM

So they have found some minister in the government whom they can get to their side.Yahapaalanaya

siribiris Saturday, 21 March 2015 03:03 PM

May be the dead dog is still haunting the Tick.

kumar soysa Saturday, 21 March 2015 06:03 PM

Excellent. But please, let us clearly see the details of the contract: ROC, interest rate on loan, proportion of Sri Lankan employees to Chinese, loan re-payment terms etc. And also, will we be allowed to fly the Sri Lankan flag?!

Waco Saturday, 21 March 2015 09:33 PM

China you are very well come.

sg Saturday, 21 March 2015 11:05 PM

Only the way to access development, no more hopes from other sides friends .. diplomacy should be handled carefully with outsiders and closed proximity ..look back and take the decisions..

Pasel Sunday, 22 March 2015 03:09 AM

According to Railway schedule per dayColombo to Kandy 11servicesKandy to Colombo. 9 services You want to spend (Loan). $760 millions to upgrade or spend on something else such as resettle the people from the war

sss Sunday, 22 March 2015 08:23 AM

china is opening a world bank type international bank and all European countries have signed up. Shows their prowess

Cyril n Sunday, 22 March 2015 11:10 AM

Nothing to forbid China being involved in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka but all transactions should be transparent, including selection of contractor and also verify their past track record. We would emphasis that notifications through press with details of projects, , criteria for selection etc and also when selections are finalised for public opinion.

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China eyes more infrastructure projects in SL

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