🔆 Hambantota Port: Key Facts 📍 Overview 🌍 A deep-water port on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is vital for international trade and economic growth. 📍 Construction and Funding 🔨 Built by the Sri Lankan Port Authority with funding from EXIM Bank of China. 🏗 Construction started in 2008, and the first phase finished in 2010. 📍 Lease to China 📜 In 2017, Sri Lanka leased the port to China Merchant Port Holdings for 99 years after failing to repay the loan. 📍 Strategic Importance 🌏 Part of China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative. 🔗 Links Southeast Asia, Africa, and West Asia. ⚠️ India’s Concern: Possible Chinese military presence threatens India’s security in the region. #places_in_news #port_series