The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said that there is a need to invigorate such projects with new ideas, investments and initiatives for mutual benefits. SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne made these remarks when representatives of the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya called on the visiting Chinese delegation of China’s Communist Party (CPC), led by Vice Minister Chen Zhou, CPC International Department Head on latter’s request at the Colombo Shangri La on Monday (16).
SJB’s National Organizer Tissa Attanayake also attended the discussion on behalf of the Leader of Opposition.
We appreciate the age-old relationship with the Chinese people and particularly the CCP, consisting of landmark initiatives like the Rubber - Rice Pact of the 1950s, gift of the BMICH in 1970, and the support for Sri Lanka at international forums.
The MP also said the Sri Lanka joining the Belt and Road (BRI) initiative was for our mutual benefit. However, there are some concerns in Sri Lanka on some projects despite its enormous cost to Sri Lanka and China, as expected results are still to materialise.
There is a need to invigorate such projects with new ideas, investments and initiatives for mutual benefits. In this context, the debt burden of Sri Lanka is a major concern locally. The debt debacle is the responsibility of Sri Lanka.
Wickramaratne told the visiting Minister that a Chinese initiative can create the path for Sri Lanka to recover from the current debacle. We support the initiatives taken by the Sri Lankan Government in getting your support for recovery.
As a hub nation in the Indian Ocean, peace and security is critical for the well-being of the Sri Lankan people. China as a major maritime user of the Indian Ocean must work closely with Sri Lanka with a view to harmonising any strategic dissonance or complexities that can arise among other major maritime users and powers in the Indian Ocean for the benefit of all bilateral and multilateral efforts.
Bilateral trade between China and Sri Lanka remains a bedrock of our ongoing relationship to make trade more balanced and provide access to Sri Lankan products to the Chinese market
Sri Lanka continuously supports the one China policy, and China’s efforts to achieve its objectives by peaceful means. We thank the Chinese people and the CCP for the assistance announced during your visit to Sri Lanka.
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