Responding to questions regarding an earlier statement which urged Sri Lanka to address human rights issues, China today reiterated its acknowledgement of progress in Sri Lanka, despite growing concerns over the deteriorating  state of reconciliation and human rights on the island.

In an emailed statement, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, claimed that the progress they saw in Sri Lanka meant that there was no change in stance, concluding, “the Sri Lankan people have the wisdom and capacity to deal appropriately with their internal affairs.”

Answering questions regarding China’s stance on the ultimatum given by the British Premier at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, the statement read,

“What you have mentioned is the “domestic affairs” of the British Commonwealth. But we hold that since national conditions of countries differ and levels of economic and social development vary, countries can have differences or even disagreements on human rights protection. What is most important is that human rights conditions should be improved by the governments of countries concerned through their efforts and constructive help should also be offered by the international community. “