Thulci Aluvihare, Deputy Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo, says the discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit could help ease concerns surrounding the Colombo Port City project and create a more favourable environment for Indian investment.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Aluvihare described the meeting as a positive symbolic development. He said the Chinese President’s visit to India could also create opportunities for stronger business relations between the two countries.
However, he cautioned that it was still too early to reach firm conclusions about the long-term impact of the diplomatic engagement.
Aluvihare said improved relations between India and China could help address concerns among Indian investors about the Colombo Port City project because of its association with a Chinese company.
He stressed that the project is an integral part of Colombo and remains under the authority of the Sri Lankan state. According to him, the Chinese company is involved only as the developer and investor, while ownership of the Port City land remains with the Government of Sri Lanka.
His comments come as Colombo Port City seeks to establish itself as a regional services hub and attract Indian companies, particularly those operating in global capability centres and related service industries.
