The Sri Lankan Government has temporarily suspended work on the construction of a controversial $1.5 billion Chinese port city project. The decision to suspend the project even temporarily has spared new President Maithripala Sirisena's government from embarrassment. In the run up to the January presidential election, Sirisena's rival, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa was the subject of opposition criticism over the project. The new government alleged the real estate deal with China was signed without Cabinet approval and without following procedures, and hinted at corruption. The project was to include shopping malls, water sports, golf, hotels, apartments and marinas. The Colombo Port City project is seen as the single largest private sector development ever in the country. The project was expected to play a key role in China's ambitious 'Maritime Silk Road' project in India's backyard.