Sri Lanka’s Investment Promotion Minister threatened legal action against a state-owned Chinese firm if it failed to halt construction on the Chinese funded ‘Port City’ project in Colombo.
The minister, Kabir Hashim told Reuters that construction work ought to be halted whilst an investigation into the project was underway. However, construction work on the project has accelerated since the new government came into office in January reported Reuters.
"Rightfully, they should stop," said Mr Hashim. "The ministry of ports will take necessary action to halt the work until this inquiry is done."
If construction, currently being carried out by the China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC), was not stopped, "legal action will be instituted against them to not proceed any further," warned the minister.
Responding to the minister’s comments a CCCC official said "there has been no mention of cancelling the project."
Also see our earlier posts:
We will welcome Chinese investors, Sri Lanka's foreign minister tells Beijing (27 Feb 2015)
Sri Lanka's foreign minister visits China (26 Feb 2015)
Sri Lanka to push for free trade agreements with US and China (26 Feb 2015)
Sri Lanka keen to maintain traditional ties with China - PM (13 February 2015)
No final decision made on 'Port City Project' says Ranil (07 February 2015)
Sri Lanka president to visit China (06 February 2015)
Sri Lanka's president to 'deepen strategic cooperation' with China (05 Feb 2015)
Chinese ‘Port City’ to continue (05 Feb 2015)
Sri Lanka reconsiders cancellation of Chinese Port City project (23 January 2015)
Sri Lankan president assured us projects under construction will continue says China (20 January 2015)
Ranil promises China continued cooperation (16 Jan 2015)
New govt policies maybe seen as 'investor unfriendly' says global banking group (12 Jan 2015)
China congratulates Sirisena, wishes to promote strategic cooperative partnership (09 Jan 2015)
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