Sri Lanka is building a $15 billion metropolis to rival cities like Hong Kong and Dubai

Sri Lanka's $1.4 billion has elicited parallels to a number of major urban centers. At is about the same size as central London, but its design resembles cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai.

A decade ago, the idea of a Sri Lankan city that rivaled the world's leading financial hubs seemed implausible. From 1983 to 2009, the nation was ravaged by a brutal civil war between its military and an insurgent group called the

Less than ten years later, the nation has devised a plan for bringing jobs and economic opportunity to its capital city, Colombo. Through the development of a new metropolis inside the capital, officials estimate that Colombo could eventually double in size. Already,

Though the concept of Port City originated in 2004, its plans were delayed until after the war. Around that time, Sri Lanka saw an influx of Chinese investment, which the country put toward major infrastructure improvements. The partnership ran into trouble when Sri Lanka had difficulty repaying its debt, while China was accused of using its investments to wield political influence.

In 2014, Prime Minister

According to the site's developer, still on track to complete its reclamation efforts and the first phase of infrastructure by 2020. Port City is set to be finished in 2041, at which point its costs could reach $15 billion.

Here's what it might look like in the future.

To build the city, developers are using dredgers to gather up sand from the bottom of the ocean.

CHEC ultimately plans to add 65 million cubic meters (around 17 billion gallons) of sand along the shore.

Environmental groups have raised concerns about the destruction of aquatic life, which could damage the livelihood of local fishermen. But developers contend that dredging won't pose a threat.

in areas near

Developers have completed more than 90% of their reclamation efforts, putting them on track to finish by June 2019.

The project has received a $1.4 billion investment, but the sand itself could cost more than double that amount.

The financial district features high-quality office space, a shopping plaza, and a cultural park.

A "central park" borders the main canal, providing space for outdoor recreation and events.

The entire development features

Building heights decrease in the direction of prevailing winds and waterfronts, allowing for increased air circulation within the city.

The city is designed specifically for residential and commercial use — no industrial activities are allowed.

According to development officials, other planned projects in Sri Lanka will satisfy the need for industrial space.

Transit developments and walkways will connect residents to local landmarks like Galle Face Beach, Beira Lake, and Viharamabedevi Park.

The city is expected to host around 80,000 residents and 250,000 daily commuters.

It could be also be governed by its own legal system.

The system is still being discussed, and will require approval from Sri Lanka's parliament and