China says no formal request for surveillance equipment

Chinese Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan said yesterday that Sri Lanka had not made a formal request for surveillance equipment from his country .

The ambassador made these remarks at the embassy in response to a query about reports that China was planning to give surveillance equipment to Sri Lanka as a counter-terrorism mechanism.

He said China could help Sri Lanka if there was any request made to it. He said no formal request had been made by the Sri Lankan government in this regard.

Asserting that China understands the importance of sovereignty, he said his country would not interfere with the internal affairs of another country.

Commenting on the proposed defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, the Ambassador said his country would send emergency communication equipment and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) equipment as part of this cooperation. He ruled out the deployment of Chinese military personnel in this exercise. (Kelum Bandara)