Sri Lanka has rejected China's request for its submarine to dock at Colombo next week. The docking of two Chinese submarines at the Colombo harbour in 2014 had angered India, which said it undermined its security interests. India has raised concerns with Sri Lanka over the growing Chinese influence in the island nation.<br/><br/>During the former regime of Mahinda Rajapaksa, China funded Sri Lanka's massive infrastructure development projects with commercial loans for the construction of highways, air and sea ports. His successor Maithripala Sirisena's plan to handover equity to China as part of the loan settlement have met with resistance.<br/>

Sri Lanka has rejected China's request for its submarine to dock at Colombo next week after a similar visit in 2014 triggered strong protest from India. The docking of two Chinese submarines at the Colombo harbour in 2014 had angered India, which said it undermined its security interests. India has raised concerns with Sri Lanka over the growing Chinese influence in the island nation.<br/><br/>During the former regime of Mahinda Rajapaksa, China funded Rajapaksa's massive infrastructure development projects with commercial loans for the construction of highways, air and sea ports. His successor Maithripala Sirisena's plan to handover equity to China as part of the loan settlement have met with resistance.<br/><br/>Sri Lanka is currently finalising a plan to lease 80 per cent of its Hambantotata port to China for 99 years. However, the plan has been delayed due to opposition from trade unions. <br/>