Feature: Port City Colombo offers Sri Lankans new leisure, shopping experience

COLOMBO, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Along the northwestern waterfront of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, the China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC)-invested and operated Port City Colombo has become a new hotspot for residents seeking leisure and recreation. From shopping and dining to water sports, the sandy beach is filled with laughter and excitement every weekend.

At the entrance to the Port City stands a duty-free shopping mall, the first stop for many visitors. Early in the morning, 66-year-old Sudarman de Silva arrived with his family to shop there, who had just returned from a trip to Dubai the previous night. De Silva picked a few bottles of liquor for himself, while his daughter-in-law selected some cosmetics.

"This is Sri Lanka's first duty-free shop located in the city center," he said. "In the past, we could only make a few hurried purchases at the airport. Now, after a good night's sleep, we can come here and shop at leisure -- it's truly a brand-new experience."

De Silva said he was intrigued by several bottles of Chinese liquor on the shelves. "The elegant Chinese calligraphy on the packaging caught my eye. I'm curious to try it," he added.

Dimantha Kinigama, country general manager of China Duty Free (Lanka) (PVT) Ltd, said liquor remains one of the most popular duty-free items among local consumers, and an increasing number of customers are developing a taste for Chinese baijiu, with many becoming repeat buyers.

Other Chinese products are also drawing attention from Sri Lankan shoppers. "Which gadgets are Chinese brands? What do these cultural products represent? How does this 'robot dog' perform backflips?" Local visitors said they are impressed by China's spirit of technological innovation.

"Here, people see high-quality 'Made in China' products," Kinigama said. To respond to Sri Lankan consumers' growing enthusiasm for Chinese brands, the company has launched a "China Chic Goes Global" initiative, aiming to bring more Chinese products to South Asian markets through its duty-free outlets and help local consumers learn more about China up close.

On the other side of the shopping complex, Singapore-based ODF Duty Free is expanding its store to meet growing demand. According to its operations manager, Anjalee Kaushalya, business has exceeded expectations, and Sri Lankan customers have embraced this new retail model with great enthusiasm.

"Port City is injecting new vitality into Colombo," Kaushalya said. "In the past, Colombo was not considered a key tourist destination. But with Port City's development, it is poised to become the final stop for many travelers before departure, filling a gap in the city's shopping options. As a Sri Lankan, I believe Port City will make a unique contribution to our national economy."

Kaushalya recalled working for a year in the same office with the Port City's Chinese team before the duty-free mall opened. "I saw how the Chinese team provided strong support for every business settling here. They were professional, efficient and easy to work with," she said.

She added that the tax incentives, visa facilitation, and personal income tax exemptions under the Port City law, along with the one-stop services provided by the Port City Commission, have all impressed her deeply.

"The Port City has become a vivid window for Sri Lankans to understand and engage with China. Its significance goes beyond economic value -- it also represents deep social value," said Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Private) Ltd. Xiong Hongfeng.

According to Xiong, more than 210 companies have registered in Port City so far, with over 30 already operating in the startup area, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs and forming a positive cycle of "business-driven employment."

He added that over the full life cycle of its construction, development and operation, the project is expected to create nearly 400,000 employment opportunities for Sri Lankans. ■