China hopes for social stability and ethnic solidarity in SL

China has expressed hope for social stability and ethnic solidarity in Sri Lanka following the communal clashes early this week. 

Responding to the following question at the Regular Press Conference on 7 March in Beijing – “According to reports, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on 6 March signed a gazette notification declaring a week-long nationwide State of Emergency in response to Sinhalese-Muslim riots in several parts of the country. What is your comment on this?” – Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said: “We have noted relevant reports. This belongs to Sri Lanka’s internal affairs.

“China believes that the Sri Lankan Government and its people are capable of handling the current situation, and upholding Sri Lanka’s social stability and ethnic solidarity. We also hope that Sri Lanka will take concrete measures to protect the security of Chinese citizens in Sri Lanka.”