Sri Lanka must not bow to external pressure and must maintain an independent foreign policy, especially at a time when some ‘parties’ are trying to take advantage of its economic situation, China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong told a group of journalists in Colombo last evening.

In an in-depth interaction, clearing China’s stance and future relations with Sri Lanka, Qi said that some parties had portrayed it to the Sri Lankan side that the island needs the help of other countries to recover from its economic situation. Qi said this statement was incorrect, as the Sri Lankan people must be confident in themselves and look at strengthening ties with friendly partners such as China.

“China does not have any personal agenda to be in Sri Lanka or help the Sri Lankan people. We firmly believe that China’s assistance to Sri Lanka will help it become an independent nation and also help it withstand foreign pressure. With the consecutive elections and the victory of the new government, Sri Lanka has opened a new chapter and China is confident in Sri Lanka’s future,” Qi said.

Reiterating that relations between China and Sri Lanka had been strained when the former government rejected China’s request for a scientific research vessel to enter Sri Lankan waters, Qi said that it was disappointing to note that despite the strong ties, the former Sri Lankan government took such a stance.

He said that those research vessels were welcomed in Maldivian waters, but were surprised and disappointed when Sri Lanka rejected it.

The Chinese envoy further said that despite some ‘parties’ maintaining that China had invested in ‘white elephant’ projects in Sri Lanka, he said that each project the Chinese had invested in had been at the previous Sri Lankan government's request. Citing Lotus Tower as an example, he said that after the tower was leased to a private company, it started making a profit and has become an icon for Sri Lanka. Commenting on the Hambantota Port and Colombo Port, he said both ports were garnering massive revenue for the Sri Lankan government and firmly asserted that when projects are built at the Sri Lankan government's request, the country must then know how to operate it.

“Some former parliamentarians call some of these projects as ‘White Elephant’ projects. But these allegations are baseless. China built these projects on Sri Lanka’s request and it was the poor operation of these projects from the Sri Lankan side that led to it being unutilised,” Qi said.

Speaking on allegations of China’s debt trap, Qi said there was no such thing as a debt trap stating that China itself was a developing country but yet provided loans and investments to Sri Lanka. This was done due to the strong friendship shared between the two countries and at Sri Lanka’s request.

“When the loan is given, the creditor should not be blamed. Instead, the one who should be blamed is the one who does not know how to use the loan in a correct manner,” Qi said.

Qi further said that despite seven rounds of discussions with Sri Lanka, talks on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries were still at a standstill because the Sri Lankan side thought it was best to consult different groups on this matter. He said there were also allegations from these groups that if the FTA is signed that Sri Lanka would be dominated by the Chinese market. Qi said such allegations were false and misleading.

“I can assure you that if the FTA is signed and if the Sri Lankan side feels that China is taking advantage, then after a year they can adjust the agreement. There are many other countries benefitting from an FTA with China. Why would we take advantage of Sri Lanka?” Qi queried.

Commenting on the economic situation, Qi said that Sri Lanka should reach a consensus with its creditors as if it remains without settling its old loans, any new loans the country takes will become a burden. He said some creditors will also use it to their advantage and gain more interest from Sri Lanka.

A 43-year-old man from Kilinochchi, who holds British citizenship, was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) due to a travel ban imposed on him in 2009.

Special Commodity Levy on imported big onions will be reduced from Rs.30 to Rs. 10 per kilo till December 31, 2024, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said. The Ministry said the Special Commodity Levy on imported potatoes will remain unchanged at Rs. 60 per kilo.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) arrested three individuals for disturbing public peace by promoting LTTE Mahaviru commemorations.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has revised fuel prices with effect from midnight (30).

The death toll due to the inclement weather experienced across Sri Lanka has increased to 17, as of 06.00 am today. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 11 of the deaths are reported from Ampara, and one each from Badulla, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, and Jaffna.

Airmail services to Canada have been suspended due to a trade union strike by Canada Post, a senior official of the International Postal Service said. The official said trade union action was launched on November 15, and would continue until further notice. The protests are driven by workers’ demands for a wage increase and the ability to work weekends with overtime pay.

Japan will consider new projects in Sri Lanka only after examining any request from the Sri Lankan authorities and its economic status first, the Japanese Embassy said yesterday.

As a cyclonic storm sweeps over Sri Lanka, health experts warn of the spread of waterborne and communicable diseases in regions experiencing heavy rains and flooding.

Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera has clarified the process and policies regarding the privileges granted to Members of Parliament (MPs) and the allocation of official residences.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong defended China-funded projects, stating that they were developed at the request of previous Governments.

A 41-year-old naval officer attached to the Punewa Navy camp was killed in a wild elephant attack last night, Police said. The victim is identified as a Lieutenant Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and a resident of Nittambuwa.

A 75-year-old man died due to severe burns caused by a fire at his home in the Silawatta area of Mullaitivu yesterday (29). The deceased, a resident of Silawatta, lived alone in a house near his son’s residence. According to preliminary investigations, the fire may have started due to flames lit in the house to combat the cold, which subsequently spread and caused the fatal accident. Further investigations are being conducted by the Police.

Applications have been called for to fill the vacancies for the posts of members in the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Communications Department of Parliament said.

The deep depression that caused significant disruption in Sri Lanka’s northeastern regions over the past few days has intensified into Cyclone Fengal, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

According to the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI), the air pollution level indicated in Sri Lanka's atmosphere is still at risk and the country will experience unhealthy air quality conditions.

The Colombo High Court today ordered the acquittal and release of two accused, including former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, in the controversial White Van press conference case.

In a coordinated operation between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, two Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels were intercepted and seized with 500 kg of narcotics (Crystal Meth) in the Indian Ocean.

Considering the candidates affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Examinations Department has decided to postpone the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations till December 3, Examinations Commissioner General Amith Jayasundara announced.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Politbureau Member and District Organizer of Jaffna, Geethanath Cassilingham has accused newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Northern Province representing the National People’s Power (NPP) of failing to assist people affected by the devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal.

The A-9 main road to Jaffna at Omanthai, which had been closed for traffic due to flooding, has been cleared for vehicle movement again, police said.