News

No political strings attached to Chinese assistance to SL – MFA spokesman

Published

2 years ago

November 29, 2022

editor

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman – Mr. Zhao Lijian has said that assistance to Sri Lanka is never attached with any political strings.

Responding to media during the regular press conference in Beijing yesterday (28), he said, “I would like to reiterate that China’s assistance to Sri Lanka is never attached with any political strings, and we never seek any selfish political gains in China’s investment and financing in Sri Lanka.”

He also commended the recent remarks made by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister- Ali Sabry.
Shenzhen TV: Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said recently that China respected it when Sri Lanka went to China and sought funds and the Chinese never forced Sri Lanka to take money. He said that China also provided Sri Lanka with some financial facilities and credit lines and also some humanitarian assistance, and that the “debt trap” is a Western phrase. He also said that China has been Sri Lanka’s close friend, and this year the two countries celebrated 70 years of economic ties, beginning with the Rubber-Rice pact. What is China’s comment?

Zhao Lijian: We welcome Foreign Minister Ali Sabry’s remarks. This is a strong rebuttal to the narrative about the so-called Chinese “debt trap” in Sri Lanka. I would like to reiterate that China’s assistance to Sri Lanka is never attached with any political strings, and we never seek any selfish political gains in China’s investment and financing in Sri Lanka. China fully relates to the difficulties and challenges faced by Sri Lanka and supports relevant financial institutions in discussing with Sri Lanka and properly resolving them. We have all along provided support to Sri Lanka’s socioeconomic development as long as our ability permits.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations, and the 70th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact. It is of great significance of building on past achievements and working for fresh progress. China will work with Sri Lanka to carry forward the traditional friendship, cement strategic mutual trust, deepen and expand practical cooperation, and consolidate and expand China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership to better deliver benefits to the two countries and the two peoples.

Spokesperson @zlj517 of Foreign Ministry @MFA_China:

We welcome Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry’s remarks (in an interview with foreign media), which are a strong rebuttal to the groundless “Chinese debt trap” accusation.https://t.co/2Wj6H6lO52 pic.twitter.com/49baEhEBut
— Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) November 28, 2022

News

Draft resolution on SL, adopted without vote

Published

7 hours ago

October 9, 2024

editor

The draft resolution A/HRC/57/L.1 on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka has been adopted without a vote during the ongoing 57th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

The draft resolution is sponsored by countries including the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the United States of America.

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News

President meets officials from Customs & IRD

Published

7 hours ago

October 9, 2024

editor

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a key meeting today (Oct. 09) with senior officials from both the Sri Lanka Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Department at the Presidential Secretariat today (09). The discussions centered on strategies to enhance revenue generation and improve operational efficiency within both departments, in line with the government’s broader economic mandate.

During the meeting, officials from both departments presented the challenges they face in managing revenue and tackling tax evasion. They stressed the importance of strengthening coordination between the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and Customs to effectively combat these issues. It was highlighted that better collaboration would ensure more robust enforcement of tax laws and prevent tax leakage, further boosting the country’s revenue collection.

Representing the Sri Lanka Customs Department were Mr. PBSC Nonis, Director General of Customs; Mrs. HW SP Karunaratne, Additional Director General of Customs; Mr. CSA Chandrasekara, Additional Director General of Customs; Mr. WSI Silva, Additional Director General of Customs; Mr. SP Arukgoda, Additional Director General of Customs; Mr. J M M G Wijeratna Bandara, Additional Director General of Customs; Mr. A. W. L. C. Weerakoon, Senior Deputy Director and Mr. MRGAB Muthukuda, Chief Financial Officer, among other officials.

From the Inland Revenue Department, Mrs. WS Chandrasekara, Commissioner General; Mr. BKS Shanta, Deputy Commissioner General; Mrs. JADDB K Siriwardena, Deputy Commissioner General; Mrs. JD Ranasinghe, Deputy Commissioner General; Mr. DMNSB Dissanayake, Deputy Commissioner General; Mr. HHS Samantha Kumara; and Ms. TMS Thennakone, Senior Commissioner, participated in the discussions.

(President’s Media Division)

BIZ

Trishaw fares revised

Published

7 hours ago

October 9, 2024

editor

Three-wheeler fares have been revised as of today (Oct. 09).

According to Mr. Jeewinda Keerthiratne, who heads the three wheel bureau of the Road Passenger Transport Authority, the first kilometer remains at Rs. 100 while the second kilometer will be Rs. 85.