A look back at China's infrastructure projects aiding Sri Lanka

Feb 7 marks the 64th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka.

History has shown that the two countries have had a close friendship even before the official establishment of diplomatic relations. The two countries have developed extensive economic, political, religious, cultural and social ties. So far Sri Lanka has implemented a number of infrastructure development projects with the assistance of China in conjunction with the Belt and Road Initiative adopted by the Chineese government.

The Colombo International Financial City (CIFC) is a major Chinese investment project in Sri Lanka. The city will be built on 269 hectares of land near the Galle Face Green in Colombo. This is the first time in Sri Lanka that a port city has been built by filling the sea. The Port City Project plan has been submitted by China Communications Construction Limited and its construction is being carried out by China Harbor Engineering Company. The project will be implemented by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka will provide tax relief for the investment. The Colombo Port City is under construction in two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed in 2024.