The Chinese government defended the practise of extending loans to Sri Lanka on Monday, stating that they were granted at the request of the Sri Lankan government.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying also said the docking of Chinese submarines in Colombo was “normal and transparent”, noting that Sri Lanka “welcomes the docking of submarines from the friendly countries”.
The statement comes after Sri Lanka’s foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera concluded a visit to Beijing, where he reportedly raised “concerns” regarding Chinese loans. “The people of Sri Lanka raised many questions, about the interest rates especially, and in certain cases about the manner in which these loans were raised,” said Mr Samaraweera.
Ms Hua however defended the loan arrangements, telling reporters that "the loans are extended at the request of Sri Lanka and based on consensus through consultations." "The loan arrangements are for the whole nation and people and have played a positive role in the economic and social development of Sri Lanka," added Ms Hua.
Mr Samaraweera also addressed the docking of Chinese submarines in Colombo, stating that “I really do not know what circumstances led to some submarines coming to the port of Colombo on the very day the Japanese Prime Minister was visiting Sri Lanka.”
“We will ensure that such incidents from whatever quarters does not happen during our tenure,” added the Sri Lankan minister.
Last month Mr Samaraweera said that the docking of Chinese submarines in the capital last year caused “serious suspicion”, as Sri Lanka announced it was once again reviewing a decision to press ahead with the Chinese funded ‘Port City’ project in Colombo.
See our earlier post:
Chinese submarines causes 'serious suspicion' says Sri Lankan minister (20 Feb 2015)
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
