Italy withdraws from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reports say

Published

1 year ago

December 7, 2023

editor

Italy has withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), more than four years after becoming the only Group of Seven (G7) nation to sign up.

After months of uncertainty regarding Italy’s involvement in the ambitious project, Rome conveyed its decision in a recent letter to Beijing, news agencies Reuters and AFP reported on Wednesday.

The Belt and Road plan proposes massive investments in infrastructure such as roads, bridges and ports to recreate the ancient Silk Road trade routes linking Europe and Asia.

Critics have cast the scheme as a vehicle for Beijing to expand its geopolitical influence, including by saddling poorer countries with unsustainable debts.

“We have every intention of maintaining excellent relations with China even if we are no longer part of the Belt and Road Initiative,” an Italian government source said.

“Other G7 nations have closer relations with China than we do, despite the fact they were never in [the BRI],” he added.

The long-anticipated decision was communicated to Beijing three days ago, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, which first reported the withdrawal.

In 2019, Italy became the first major Western nation to participate in the programme, despite US concerns about China gaining control over crucial technologies and infrastructure.

Nevertheless, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office last year, expressed a desire to withdraw, citing the lack of substantial benefits for Italy.

The 2019 agreement is set to expire in March 2024, with automatic renewal unless Rome provides three months’ written notice of withdrawal.

However, Rome has been wary of provoking Beijing and risking retaliation against Italian companies.

(aljazeera.com)

03 vehicles collide at railway crossing

Published

18 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

03 vehicles have collided at the Merawala railway crossing on the Chilaw-Colombo main road.

The accident occurred at around 6.25 a.m. this morning (May 21) when a van, which had stopped behind a fuel bowser at the Chilaw Marawala railway crossing while it was closed for train traffic, was rear-ended by a prime mover transporting cement.

The prime mover had been unable to stop due to brake failure.

The van involved in the accident sustained significant damage and Chilaw Police are currently conducting further investigations.

(Pic: Accident 1st)

News

Ramith Rambukwella arrives before CIABOC

Published

18 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Ramith Rambukwella – son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today (May 21) to record a statement.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali yesterday (May 20) ordered the further remand of Keheliya Rambukwella until June 03, following his arrest by the CIABOC over 03 complaints related to alleged corruption.

The court also granted permission to name Ramith Rambukwella as a suspect in the case.

News

Mahindananda seeks permission for home cooked meals

Published

18 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who is currently in remand custody, has submitted a written request to prison authorities seeking permission to receive food from his home.

He is currently being held at the “M 2” ward of the Colombo Remand Prison along with around 10 other prisoners, according to reports.

It is also reported that former minister Keheliya Rambukwella is being detained in the same ward.