Port city project to resume: SL ambassador to China

16 January 2016 06:54 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The green light has been given to the delayed Colombo Port City project, the Sri Lankan ambassador to China confirmed on Friday.

A financial hub connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East is expected to be set up in the Colombo Port City, said Karunasena Kodituwakku, Sri Lankan ambassador to China in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

The $1.4 billion urban complex project will cover 233 hectares adjoining the Port of Colombo. The deal was initially signed between the Sri Lankan government and the China Communications Construction Co in November 2013.

However, it was suspended by the Sri Lankan government early in 2015 after Maithripala Sirisena became the country's president.

A greater environmental impact assessment to allay public concern was needed, which was "not the fault of the Chinese company", reiterated Kodituwakku, the ambassador.

The "incremental environmental impact" by the project is "minimal/negligible at the reclamation site and the coastal zone to the North and South of the site," said an environmental impact assessment report released by the Sri Lankan authorities in December.

"The project will create employment, create tax income, and create indirect opportunity for other services. ... Everybody will benefit," said the Ambassador.

Colombo Port City will become "a high-end urban complex in South Asia concentrating industries, including finance, tourism, logistics and information technology," and the whole project will create more than 80,000 jobs, said China's Ministry of Commerce in November 2013. (China Daily)

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Comments - 17

Sharon Saturday, 16 January 2016 03:45 PM

Another proof to say what MR did the right thing via DM Android App

shane Monday, 18 January 2016 09:56 AM

China is buying half of the world. In latest news, General electric company of America sold part of their subsidiary to chinese investor

Reader Monday, 18 January 2016 08:09 AM

How is 80,000 jobs estimated, during construcion or after construction (in about 4 years?) Will the Ambassador give more details on jobs?

Hiran Sunday, 17 January 2016 08:04 AM

No this is proof that you dont mess around with China. There is no option but to go ahead with the project.

Bala Saturday, 16 January 2016 10:22 PM

This was mooted by UNP govt n 2003 but MR hijacked it and pushed without EIA and giving Chinese Sri Lanka territory which never in orginal plan.

badur Saturday, 16 January 2016 06:31 PM

Anura Kumara. What do you say now via DM Android App

Cheers Saturday, 16 January 2016 04:50 PM

So the current government who came to power that they will stop all Chinese projects now realised Mahonda was right and he had a vision.

onlooker Saturday, 16 January 2016 04:23 PM

Yahapalanaya eating back their own words. What has idiots in the forme of joint trade union got to say about this. They should request the masses to forgive them for misleading

chandra Saturday, 16 January 2016 04:21 PM

How comes ones badproject became good project after one year. via DM Android App

kan Saturday, 16 January 2016 12:51 PM

Yes, start the project. South and West Coast are ready for disasters any time soon.

lanka Saturday, 16 January 2016 03:08 PM

Sri Lanka Government has not given any permission to resume the project yet. Sri Lankan Ambassador has no authority to comment on the issue yet. He is a just ordinary man.

Rosh Saturday, 16 January 2016 03:06 PM

The yahapalakayas are becomming are laughing stock every passing day via DM Android App

Bala Saturday, 16 January 2016 02:16 PM

So are the Chinese getting part of Sri Lanka territory as well.

Sene Saturday, 16 January 2016 01:58 PM

What mega lie? Did MR even do a propower EIA. It was the current govt who did that and took proper steps to reduce negative effects

Lal Saturday, 16 January 2016 01:57 PM

Its good that projects are going ahead with the proper procedures this time. The EIA has been relased to the public as well

Mic Saturday, 16 January 2016 01:36 PM

Sri Lanka is naturally beautiful country. It does not need any artificial places. While the government speak about the protection of environment, on the other hand it destroys it. It is the sad part.

Sandun Saturday, 16 January 2016 01:33 PM

Here goes another mega lie

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Port city project to resume: SL ambassador to China

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