Top government sources told Asian Mirror on Thursday that a plot of land within the Colombo Port City had been earmarked for a certain ‘family’ in Sri Lanka by China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), the Chinese company which was handling the project.

According to the Colombo Port City deal proposed deal, 108 hectares would be given to the Chinese firm, including 20 hectares on an outright basis and the rest on a 99-year lease. The earmarked plot of land, according to top government sources, was within the 20 hectares which was given to the Chinese firm on an outright basis.

The new government, which earlier decided to do away with the project, has now decided to proceed with it, after re-evaluating the deal. “The re-evaluation,” a top government spokesperson said,” was necessitated by serious issues pertaining to the agreement. “He also added that through the re-evaluation, the Sri Lankan government had ‘freed’ the plot of land which was earlier earmarked for a certain family.

Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne today confirmed that the government would proceed with the project, despite its initial promise to do away with the construction.

India had also raised concerns over the port city project saying it was a threat to the national security of india.

A Reuters reported two weeks ago said that Indian diplomats had raised concerns over the deal saying the  the 20-hectare plot is a security concern because of the large number of India-bound cargoes that pass through Colombo port.

The project approximately reclaimed around 230 hectares and it was decided that the Port City would include roads, water, electricity, communication facilities to set up shopping areas, water sports area, mini golf course, hotels, apartments, recreation areas and marinas.

According to the initial plan, the there was a move to include a new Formula One track, constructed in the vicinity of the Colombo Harbour. According to Dr. Priyath Wickrama, former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, an F1 track was going to be a “definite part” of the New Port City. This came under heavy criticism from the United National Party which was then in the opposition.

Construction of the Colombo Port City project was launched on 17 September 2014 by Former President Mahinda Rajapaska and the Chinese President Xi Jinping. The project was a brainchild of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.