News
Discussions with China underway to resolve economic crisis

USD 2.5 bn funding:
Amb Zhenhong silent on IMF intervention
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The cash-strapped Sri Lankan government is negotiating with China for funds amounting to USD 2.5 bn in addition to USD 2.8 bn obtained since the global epidemic Covid-19 eruption in early 2020.
Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong disclosed Sri Lanka’s request at the onset of a media briefing held at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo yesterday (21).
The disclosure was made close on the heels of the finalisation of USD 1 bn loan facility provided by India and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s declaration of his readiness to seek IMF assistance. Amb. Zhenhong declined to comment on Sri Lanka’s decision to resume negotiations with the IMF.
Sri Lanka announced plans for talks with the IMF in the wake of an increase in prices of all essential items and services following the floating of the Rupee in the first week of March.
Amb. Zhenhong said that China recently received requests for USD 1 billion financing facility and USD 1.5 bn buyer’s credit. The Chinese envoy declared: “We understand the urgency in Sri Lanka’s need. Relevant authorities are studying the request.”
In spite of repeated questions, Amb Zhenhong refrained from going into details, including Sri Lanka’s specific needs while reiterating their commitment to help a friendly country.
Zhenhong presented his credentials to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in mid Nov 2020 at the height of the first Covid-19 wave.
At the commencement of the briefing attended by local and Colombo based international media, Amb. Zhenhong said a range of events and activities conducted so far this year to mark 65th anniversary of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice pact.
Responding to a query raised by Reuters, Amb Zhenhong said that USD 1 bn term financing facility had been provided on March 18, 2020 and April 12, 2020 (USD 500 mn each) with maturity period of 10 years. That was followed by CNY 2 bn (approximately USD 300 mn) term financing facility provided on Aug. 17, 2021, Amb Zhenhong said, adding CNY 10 bn (approximately USD1.5 bn) bilateral currency SWAP agreement was finalized in March 2021.
The Chinese envoy sidestepped a specific query on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s request to restructure debt repayments to overcome the financial crisis.
President Rajapaksa made the request during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in early January this year.
New requests for USD 2.5 bn (USD 1 bn financing facility and USD 1.5 bn buyer’s credit) are believed to have been made following the Chinese Foreign Minister’s high profile visit.
Asked whether India has overtaken China in providing assistance and investments here, Amb Zhenhong listed Chinese loans and investments while asserting consistency, scale and comprehensiveness in their role. The Chinese envoy didn’t respond to the query on Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa being too close to India and pursuing an agenda at the expense of Beijing.
Amb Zhenhong dismissed assertions that the failure on the part of the Colombo Port City to attract investments and concerns over proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between China and Sri Lanka. Amb Zhenhong assured: “We’ll never take advantage of FTA with Sri Lanka.” The Chinese envoy said so when the media queried the absence of a draft of FTA and serious concerns over its content against the backdrop of the previous Sri Lanka administration finalizing FTA with Singapore under controversial circumstances.
Amb Zhenhong said that the experts of both sides could handle the issues at hand.
Amb Zhenhong said that in spite of Covid-19 eruption China sustained its projects here with over 11,000 locals hired. Referring to major Chinese projects underway here namely Colombo Port City, Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) and Hambantota International Port (HIP), Amb Zhenhong emphasized their ventures were on track.
The envoy questioned the unexplained suspension of ADB funded power projects in the North while declining to respond to questions regarding the status of them. The Chinese envoy advised that such an attitude on Sri Lanka’s part would be inimical to ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment.
The Chinese envoy avoided responding to queries regarding growing Indian presence in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka and instances of India objecting to Chinese taking up projects. However, Amb Zhenhong explained the projects undertaken by China in Tamil dominated region, investments and grants made in support of the civilian community there.
News
President Returns to the island concluding officiIal visit to Germany

President Anura Kumara Disanayake returned to the island this morning (15) after successfully concluding his official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.
During the visit, the President held bilateral discussions with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Foreign Minister Dr. Johann Wadephul and Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Ms. Reem Alabali-Radovan. These discussions focused on exploring new avenues for expanding cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, the digital economy, investment and vocational training, in line with the priorities of the Sri Lankan government.
In addition, the President attended a special meeting with representatives of Germany’s Tourism and Travel Industry Associations.
President Disanayake also delivered the keynote address at a Business Forum organized by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) at its headquarters in Berlin.
During his official visit, the President also took time to meet with members of the Sri Lankan community residing in Germany.
He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with senior government officials.
News
Cardinal slams govt. over Easter Carnage injustice

Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has found fault with the incumbent government for failing to fulfil its promise to bring the true perpetrators of the Easter Sunday attacks to justice and accused the Attorney General Department officials of dancing to the tune of their political masters.
The Cardinal said on Thursday evening that despite the government’s assurances, those commitments had not been fulfilled.
Speaking at a religious ceremony at Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church in Colombo, Cardinal Ranjith expressed his disappointment at the government’s failure to fulfil its promises, saying, “I am still concerned about the government’s failure to honour its commitment regarding the investigation into the attacks.”
The Cardinal said that six years after the terror attacks, the investigation into the incident remained insufficient.
He said that more than two dozen recommendations had been made in the first volume of the Presidential Commission Report, but no political leader or party had taken any steps to implement them. “No proper framework or mechanism has been put in place,” he lamented.
Cardinal Ranjith criticised former Presidents, Prime Ministers, and senior officials of the police and security forces, saying they had failed to take any action to prevent the attacks despite having the responsibility to do so.
The prelate expressed concern over lapses on the part of the Attorney General’s Department, which had not taken any legal or disciplinary steps in relation to the findings of the report.
He said it was shameful that the Attorney General’s Department had done nothing regarding the attacks. “We are witnessing the actions of certain politicians and high-ranking officials of these departments and the government, who seem more interested in political manoeuvring than in fulfilling their duties,” he said,
adding that the Church was ready to expose the politicisation of some higher ups in the AG’s Department.
During the last election campaign, the government had promised to ensure thorough investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, appoint a special prosecutor and set up an office for that purpose. However, Cardinal Ranjith pointed out that this promise had also not been fulfilled.
He reiterated that despite being presented with a policy statement from the NPP, which outlined their commitment to investigating the attacks, the government had not initiated any fundamental steps in this regard. “This is something that deeply concerns us,” he said.
By Sujeewa Thathsara ✍️
News
Army Commander visits Jaipur, holds talks with South Western Command officials

Jaipur, June 13 (IANS) In a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, is on a two-day official visit to the Sapta Shakti Command headquartered in Jaipur from June 12 to 13.
Upon his arrival, Lt Gen Rodrigo was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command.
The visit underlined the deep-rooted defence ties and mutual respect shared between the two neighbouring nations.
During his stay, Lt Gen Rodrigo held comprehensive discussions with Lt Gen Manjinder Singh and other senior officers of the South Western Command.
The dialogue focused on a wide range of strategic and operational issues, including regional security dynamics, joint training programs, capability enhancement, and the sharing of best practices. These discussions aimed to foster greater interoperability and understanding between the two armies.
A highlight of the visit was a dynamic display of military equipment and a live combat demonstration centered on counter-terrorism operations. The demonstration showcased the Indian Armys tactical acumen, operational readiness, and technological capabilities in dealing with modern security threats.
In addition to the military engagements, Lt Gen Rodrigo also explored Rajasthan s rich cultural and martial heritage. He visited key military landmarks and heritage sites, gaining insights into Indias historical military traditions and the valour of its armed forces.
Officials emphasized that the visit reflects the enduring commitment of India and Sri Lanka to deepen their defence cooperation. Rooted in decades of shared history and mutual trust, the partnership aims to promote regional peace, stability, and a collaborative approach to emerging security challenges.
This high-level military engagement is expected to further strengthen the camaraderie between the two armies, enhance capacity-building efforts, and expand avenues for future military exchanges and joint initiatives.
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