Sri Lanka's influential ex-leader opposes land for Chinese investment


Sri Lanka's former President Mahinda Rajapaksa waves at his supporters at the end of the five-day protest march from Kandy about 116 km to Colombo, in Sri Lanka, August 1, 2016. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's former leader Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday criticised a government plan to grant 15,000 acres for Chinese investment in his constituency, saying it will deprive people of agricultural land.

Rajapaksa, chided by the West and India for his close relations with China during his rule, is now agitating against President Maithripala Sirisena government's moves to attract investment as he seeks to rally support under a new party.

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