China's Sri Lankan project back on track

China's biggest investment project in Sri Lanka, suspended for months by Sri Lanka's new administration, is to continue.

According to Liu Jianchao, assistant minister of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday that "what happened around the port city of Colombo is temporary and the problem does not lie with the Chinese side".

Sirisena's administration has ordered a review of the $1.4 billion Colombo port city project over allegations of wrongdoing since he took office in January.

The suspension caused concern to the Chinese who defended the project as being in line with local laws.

China, which has invested millions of dollars in Sri Lanka's infrastructure, is now the island's biggest backer.

Sirisena arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a four-day visit. It is his first visit to China since taking office.

Liu told reporters that Sirisena said Sri Lanka is appreciative of China's support and assistance for the development of major infrastructure projects, including a new international port at Hambantota.

The Sri Lankan president promised that his country will continue to provide good conditions and environment for China's investment, Liu said.

China "puts Sri Lanka in an important position in neighborhood diplomacy", Xi said during the meeting, pledging that the two sides will continue to deepen cooperation in every sector.