COLOMBO -- Sri Lanka will continue its multi- million US dollar infrastructure upgrade that includes major projects with China, the country's Highway and Investment Minister Hashim has said.

Minister Hashim met with Ambassador Yi Xianliang to exchange views on bilateral infrastructure cooperation, a statement from the ministry said on Tuesday. The minister thanked China's long- term support to Sri Lanka and appreciated Chinese companies' contributions to its economic development.

Ambassador Yi said China, as a true friend of Sri Lanka and a reliable development partner, will continue to support Sri Lanka's effort to develop the country and improve the livelihood of its people.

He reiterated the contracts and agreement of these projects should be respected and interests of Chinese companies protected.

The Sri Lankan government is reviewing multi-million-dollar highway projects including Chinese ones but have insisted work will not stop on any of the ventures, especially two highways in the capital of Colombo and the southern part of the island.

A special committee has been formed to review all road projects signed by the previous government and some of the projects will be reviewed to reduce the cost through decreasing the scope.