News
Lanka not getting entangled in tussle between US and China- Amaraweera
… wants MCC studied
By Ifham Nizam
The government would not allow Sri Lanka to get involved in a Cold War between the and China, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.
Addressing the media yesterday, Amaraweera said that US State of Secretary, Mike Pompeo’s visit was an honour for Sri Lanka.
Amaraweera said that despite various allegations with regard to Pompeo’s visit, the government had been completely transparent.
“His visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries,” he said.
The Minister said that at present China was the world’s economic powerhouse. Even the United States had borrowed close to two trillion dollars from Beijing.
“There was nothing to hide. We were frank with him. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told Pompeo that Chinese aid had been beneficial and that there was no Chinese debt trap.”
Amaraweera said the US was Sri Lanka’s biggest export destination and that the government had not yet decided whether to sign the MCC agreement or not.
“I have never criticised the MCC agreement or said it is good or bad. My opinion is that we need to study this agreement more.”
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit today. (09 May 25)
The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.
The 80.65m long ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ is a Hydrographic Vessel commanded by Commander BERTHEAU Dimitri and she is manned by 58 crew members.
Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer and a group of crew members of the ship are scheduled to call on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
During the stay in the island, crew members of the ship will explore some tourist attractions within the country and the ship is scheduled to set sail from Colombo on 13 May.
It has been reported that two Sri Lanka Air Force helicopter gunners and four Special Forces personnel have been pronounced dead after a SLAF Bell 212 helicopter crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir this (09) morning.
There were a total of 12 armed forces personnel on board the ill-fated aircraft.
It has been reported that a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 Helicopter has crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir this morning.
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