China Communications Construction Company, which is engaged in the 1.4-billion-U.S. dollar Colombo Port City project in Sri Lanka has obeyed a Sri Lankan government order to suspend work despite the loss of 380,000 U.S. dollars per day, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

 

China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) subsidiary China Harbour Engineering Company is creating the new island off Colombo's harbor, which was started during former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's tenure.

 

"As a result of this suspension, CCCC estimates an initial direct loss for the company of over 380,000 U.S. dollars per day. Furthermore, the interest on the financial loan obtained by the company for the development of the project is being paid, regardless of the ongoing suspension," the company said in the statement.

 

Over 200 meters of the breakwater constructed so far, has been damaged due to the suspension, as the company is unable to take measures to protect the reclaimed land because of the suspension, it added.

 

The reconstruction of this damaged land area will be an additional cost the company will have to incur if and when the project commences again.

 

The company also expressed concern for the employees in the project. "The project employs approximately 1,000 direct personnel and a further 4,000 indirect employees, of which almost all are Sri Lankans and the sustainability of this workforce is also a concern for the company during this period," the statement said.

 

CCCC reiterated that all stipulated processes required under the project agreement were followed before commencing the project' s construction in 2014.

 

"Without prejudice to its legal rights, the company assures it will continue to work with the Sri Lankan Government in providing further documentation and information needed to review the Colombo Port City Development Project," it noted.

(With inputs from Xinhua)