With water plants and hospitals, China is on a charm offensive in Sri Lanka

This month's presidential election, won by Gotabaya Rajapaksa, puts Beijing back in the driving seat in Sri Lanka

Amid the lush paddy fields of central Sri Lanka, a large, state-of-the-art hospital rises between the cranes and cement mixers.

Its perimeter walls are adorned with pictures of China's president Xi Jinping and prime minister Li Keqiang, along with Sri Lankan leaders hailing the $67 million gift from Beijing.

The hospital, specialising in kidney-related diseases, is helping China gain popular support in a country where its mega-projects have added to rising debt and raised concerns about excessive economic and political leverage.

Water plants and a Chinese radio station promoting its economic and social programmes are part of the campaign to win over doubters.

China