Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday inaugurated a $1.4 billion port city being built on an artificial island near Colombo.
The Colombo Port City, funded largely by Chinese loans, is designed to become a key link in a maritime route China hopes will boost trade with Europe.
Mr. Xi and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa cut a ribbon to officially launch the project during a ceremony.
Aside from offering a base to international shippers, the port city is expected to ease traffic and congestion in Colombo’s busy business district.