As they try to reduce the country's debts, officials in Colombo see China's plans to include Sri Lanka on its "One Belt, One Road" initiative as an economic lifeline. But Beijing now faces a new and unpredictable challenge to its presence in Sri Lanka and broader Silk Road project. It was the first time opposition to Chinese investments in Sri Lanka turned violent. The Chinese embassy in Colombo did not respond to a request for comment on investments in Sri Lanka. It is about getting the best deal for Sri Lanka," he told Reuters in an interview.

Source: The Star February 01, 2017 23:26 UTC