12 March 2016

News Story: China gets go-ahead for contentious Sri Lanka port city

Sri Lanka on Thursday granted permission for China to build a vast "port city" in the island's capital, despite concerns the ambitious project could be an environmental disaster.

President Maithripala Sirisena had suspended the contentious $1.4 billion plan to build on reclaimed land next to Colombo's main harbour, shortly after taking power in January last year.

But the port city, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2014 and expected to include real estate, a marina and a Formula One racetrack, has again been given the green light.

"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Management has recommended allowing resumption of the project subject to limitations and conditions stipulated in the EIA (environmental impact assessment)," the government said in a statement.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily