Video: SL to dilute dependence on China-Mangala

19 Jun 2015 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera on Thursday said that the country will review its China-dependent foreign policy and boost ties with other nations.

In an interview with NHK World News during his visit to Japan, Samaraweera said that Sri Lanka plans to advance a balanced diplomacy that strengthens relations with all countries, including China.

Foreign Minister Samaraweera referred to Sri Lanka's relations with China. China overtook Japan as Sri Lanka's biggest source of assistance in 2009.

He indicated that Chinese aid led to rampant corruption under the previous government. He said the Sri Lankan government has suspended a project to improve port facilities in the nation's largest city, Colombo, and is now reviewing it. He added the project may not have followed appropriate procedures.

The minister said Japan rose from the ashes of World War Two and became one of the most powerful nations. He said Japan provides a good lesson for Sri Lanka, which went through a civil war.

Calling Japan a consistent friend of Sri Lanka, Samaraweera called on Japan to provide more aid and private investment.

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Video: SL to dilute dependence on China-Mangala

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