Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Wednesday, 8 January 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Cabinet Spokesman
and Minister
Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa
Sri Lanka this week reiterated commitment to the ‘One China Policy’, whilst Cabinet of Ministers approved a series of new agreements with China.
The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the continuation of ‘One China Policy’ recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate Government of China and acknowledging Taiwan is only a province of China.
The fact furnished by the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath indicating that Sri Lanka further follows the same policy as it is and act adhering to the same was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
In addition, as part of strengthening bilateral relations, the Cabinet of Ministers approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the China Media Group and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday announcing the decisions said the move aims to elevate Sri Lanka as a premier tourist destination for Chinese tourists by leveraging modern technology and expertise of the China Media Group.
Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, he said additionally the Cabinet endorsed a proposal to facilitate the export of chicken from Sri Lanka to China.
“The agreement drafted in collaboration with China’s General Administration of Customs, outlines health requirements and quarantine procedures to ensure compliance with export standards,” Dr. Jayatissa said.
The proposal to this effect submitted by Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister Lal Kantha to sign the said agreement between the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry was unanimously approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday.
In humanitarian efforts, Dr. Jayatissa stated that the Chinese Government has provided emergency aid worth 35.7 million Yuan to support small-scale fishermen in Northern and Eastern Provinces and the Cabinet of Ministers formally certify this aid and further enhance cooperation in the sector.
The assistance includes 75,000 fisheries nets for small scale and low income generating fishermen, 500 precast houses for small scale and low income generating fishermen and 1,630 tons of rice for small scale and low income generating fishermen.
In addition, Dr. Jayatissa said Cabinet granted approval for multiple MoUs between Sri Lankan and Chinese institutions to foster collaboration in health, media and information sectors.
These include; 1) MoU between the Health and Mass Media Ministry and the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of the People’s Republic of China, 2) MoU between the Associated Newspapers Ceylon Ltd., and Xinhua News Agency of China, 3) Memorandum of Cooperation between the Department of Government Information and Xinhua News Agency of China, 4) MoU between Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and China Media Group and 5) MoU between Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and China Media Group.
The proposal to this effect submitted by Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Jayatissa said the pact aims to enhance knowledge exchange and technical expertise.
