GR’s first task will be restoring SL-China relations: SLPP

• Plans to follow non-aligned foreign policy
• Charges Govt. has strained SL-China relationship 
• But insists India also key partner for SL development

By Nuwan Senarathna 

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said their presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s first task as President will be restoring relations with China, which they stressed has been undermined by recent allegations of financial misconduct.  

MP Keheliya Rambukwella

Dr. Palitha Kohona

Speaking to media at Mandarina Colombo, SLPP spokesman MP Keheliya Rambukwella said the relationship with China would be strategically important for the country’s economic future. 

“They have the economic power, and we are looking to develop the Sri Lankan economy. If you are looking for the development of a country, you need to keep all options open,” Rambukwella said. 

He pointed out that the SLPP foreign policy would be similar to former President Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s foreign policies. According to Rambukwella, a non-aligned foreign policy will be followed by the SLPP, and insisted they would maintain a close relationship with India, as well as the rest of the international community. 

Rambukwella charged the incumbent Government had strained the relationship between Sri Lanka and China, which the Rajapaksa Government had built during their term. “In 2015 Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe categorically said that they will stop the Port City project. They stopped it for 18 months. The JVP also made a reference in Parliament that they might have to break down Sigiriya to find resources for the reclamation. This was how the relationship was strained.”

He argued the recent allegation by the President, that a Rs. 2 billion loss was incurred by the Government due to an advance payment to a Chinese company, would affect the relationship between Sri Lanka and China. Rambukwella pointed out that despite the Government tarnishing the relationship with China, they also had to seek funds from them for development projects. According to Rambukwella, the Government’s anti-China policies led to an increase in the interest of Chinese loans. 

Speaking at the event, Dr. Palitha Kohona said one of the SLPP’s main priorities will be restoring the warmth between the two nations, and reaching a comfortable level for both countries.

“When we do business with them, they will not treat us as we were another country lining up before Beijing looking for cheap funds. It will be a closer warmer relationship. I suggest that it should be a more equal relationship between two sovereign states,” Dr. Kohona said. 

However, Dr. Kohona pointed out that they do not rule out the importance of a strong relationship with India. He assured that under an SLPP Government, they would strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.  

When asked about the tension created following two Chinese submarines anchoring at Colombo Port, Dr. Kohona said such incidents would not say that Sri Lanka has been favourable to one particular nation. 

“As a sovereign state, we are under no obligation to tell anybody who is coming to our ports except as a courtesy, but as India is very sensitive about the strategic incursion into our territorial limits, I think we should as a courtesy keep our neighbour informed,” he said.

Pix by Shehan Gunasekara