News

China hits back at Nuland’s comments

Published

8 months ago

February 3, 2023

editor

China has said that the US “might as well show some sincerity and actually do something to help Sri Lanka weather through the current difficulties” rather than “jabbing fingers at China’s close cooperation with Sri Lanka”.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ms. Mao Ning said thus during the regular press conference in Beijing yesterday (03), while responding to queries raised by journalists.

Prasar Bharati: US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland during her visit to Sri Lanka has said that the terms extended by China to Sri Lanka for getting IMF debt relief are not enough. She said the US expects China, as the largest bilateral creditor to Sri Lanka, to give credible and specific assurance that matches IMF’s standard on debt restructuring. What is China’s comment or response to this and when is China considering to provide credible and specific assurances to Sri Lanka as required for debt relief by the IMF?

Mao Ning: What was said by the US side does not reflect the truth. The Export-Import Bank of China has already provided Sri Lanka with a letter to express support for its debt sustainability. Sri Lanka has responded positively and thanked China for that.

Rather than jabbing fingers at China’s close cooperation with Sri Lanka, the US might as well show some sincerity and actually do something to help Sri Lanka weather through the current difficulties.

As a friendly neighbor and true friend, China has been closely following the difficulties and challenges facing Sri Lanka and providing assistance for its economic and social development to the best of our capabilities. As to Sri Lanka’s debt to the Chinese side, we support Chinese financial institutions in having consultations with Sri Lanka to seek a proper settlement. China stands ready to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions and continue to play a positive role in helping Sri Lanka navigate the situation, easing its debt burden and helping it achieve sustainable development.

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All eyes are on China – Nuland

News

5 jumbos killed in 2 train collisions

Published

8 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

Four elephants were killed last night after being knocked down by the night mail train from Colombo to Kankesanthurai last night (27).

The tragedy occurred between the Ambanpola and Galgamuwa railway stations.

Three elephants were killed on the spot while one succumbed to its injuries this morning.

Meanwhile, a mother and a baby elephant were knocked down by the Colombo bound Express Train from Baticaloa at Habarana, Palugaswewa on the Colombo-Batticaloa railway Line last night. The baby elephant was killed on the spot while mother elephant sustained critical injuries.

News

Person arrested with over 1kg of ‘Ice’ in Dehiwala

Published

9 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

Police have arrested a suspect along with 1 kilogram and 10 grams of ‘Ice’ (Crystal methamphetamine) drugs at Pannaloka Mawatha in Dehiwala.

The drugs are said to amounting to over Rs. 10 million.

The Police Headquarters mentioned that the arrest was made during a raid conducted in accordance with a tip-off received by the officers of Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

An electric scale, mobile phone and Rs. 150,000 in cash in the possession of the man were taken into police custody.

The suspect is a 39-year-old resident of the Dehiwala area and is to be produced before the Mount Lavina Magistrate’s Court.

The CCD is conducting further investigations regarding the incident.

News

Defence Ministry issues notice on firearm license renewal for 2024

Published

10 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

The Ministry of Defence has issued an announcement on renewing the firearms licenses of individuals and institutions for 2024.

Accordingly, the firearm licenses can be renewed between October 01, 2023, – December 31, 2023.

Necessary details can be downloaded from the official website of the Defence Ministry (www.defence.lk).

Noting that firearm license renewal for 2024 will not be carried out after December 31, 2023, the Defence Ministry emphasized that possession of a firearm without a valid license is a punishable offense under provisions of Section 22 of the Firearms Ordinance.

Meanwhile, registration renewal of private security firms for the year 2024/2025 will be carried out from October 01, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

Any renewals made after the deadline will be subjected to a fine or legal action, the Defence Ministry said further.