Sri Lanka’s new Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act went into effect, establishing the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC), the Financial Express reported June 2. Concerns have already been raised regarding oversight, as the CPCEC would be appointed by the president instead of a vote and would not fall under the jurisdiction of the Sri Lankan courts. Why It Matters: The CPCEC, which is aimed at facilitating and attracting investments into the SEZ, will likely provide the Sri Lankan government with a new means to enhance ties with China in hopes of addressing the country’s weakening economic condition. However, this creates the possibility of throwing Sri Lanka into a geostrategic contest where countries like India and the United States attempt to limit Chinese influence on the island.