China says loans to Sri Lanka ‘based on consensus’
BEIJING – China’s loans to Sri Lanka were based on consensus through consultations between the two countries, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday, responding to interest rate concerns.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the comment after Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Saturday that his country was concerned with the interest rate of the loans from Beijing.
“The loans are extended at the request of Sri Lanka and based on consensus through consultations,” Hua said at a daily news briefing.
“The loan arrangements are for the whole nation and people and have played a positive role in the economic and social development of Sri Lanka,” Hua said.
She voiced confidence that the practical cooperation between the two countries will move ahead in the fundamental interests of the two nations and peoples.
Samaraweera paid an official visit to China from Feb 27 to 28. He is the first minister to visit China since Sri Lanka’s new government took office in January.
(Xinhua)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- PUCSL warns CEB: Submit tariff plan by December 6, 2024 or face action November 25, 2024
- ADB approves $200 million to modernize Sri Lanka’s power sector November 25, 2024
- Over 120,000 tourists arrive in Sri Lanka in first 20 days of November 2024 November 25, 2024
- Court orders release of Sujeewa Senasinghe’s SUV on Rs. 100 million bond November 25, 2024
- IMF backs Sri Lanka’s plan to boost revenue with vehicle imports November 25, 2024
