Chinese infrastructure projects have heavily burdened Sri Lanka, according to former military chief, Sarath Fonseka.
“Our experience [with the Chinese] on Hambantota has not been very beneficial as we are facing a heavy debt burden due to the work done in that port,” Mr Fonseka, currently Minister for Regional Development, told The Hindu. “The problems and corruption in the project prompted us to review our policy on infrastructural development. We have currently given the port to a private entity so that some of the more immediate issues are resolved. This arrangement will also address India’s security concerns.”
Speaking at the Raisina dialogue, Mr Fonseka also mentioned that talks were ongoing between India and Sri Lanka over the development of the Trincomalee port.
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