CRI听力:Sri Lanka's New Cabinet Approves Construction of China-Funded Port

Sri Lanka's new government has decided to give the green-flag to a Chinese-funded port project worth 1.5-billion U.S. dollars.

The country's new cabinet is allowing the project to continue after undertaking an environmental assessment.

The project was approved by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei expressed the hope that the project will go ahead smoothly as planned.

"Cooperation between China and Sri Lanka in major projects, such as the Hambantota port, and the Colombo port city, is in the interest of Sri Lanka and its people's welfare, can bring tangible benefits to the people of Sri Lanka. (We) believe that the new Sri Lankan government will act upon the basic interests of Sino-Sri Lanka friendship and national development to ensure important cooperation projects do not experience ups and downs because of changes in the political situation."

The project, located on the coastline of the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, is expected to be home to Sri Lanka's first 100-story skyscraper.

It will also include hotels, shopping malls, a golf course and an F1 track.

Under the proposed deal, 108 hectares would be taken over by China Communications Construction, including 20 hectares on an outright basis and the rest on a 99-year lease.