"We're sorry for Yuan Wang 5 controversy": Dolawatte tells Chinese Vice Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lankan ruling party Parliamentarian Premanath C. Dolawatte apologized to China over two incidents, including the Yuan Wang 5 controversy.

He was speaking during a briefing that was hosted by Chinese Vice Minister Chen Zhou in Colombo on Monday (16) regarding the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

"Even though we are friends there are some issues very recently. Actually, we must say that one of our MPs spoke against your nation even though you have been supporting us during a very difficult period. We vehemently condemn the statement the MP made in the parliament regarding China. At the same time, Yuan Wang 5 ship incident happened very recently, so we must convey our apologies regarding two incidents," he added.

Speaking on the IMF bailout, the Sri Lankan MP said that the burden is generating world news against China for the delay in assurances.

"I think in the future you will support us," he added.

Chinese Vice Minister Chen Zhou said that Sri Lanka is encountering an economic crisis and "many people had a very inconvenient life and the Chinese side feels empathy for them."

He said that China will continue to assist the Sri Lankan people within its capacity.

"Going forward China is willing to work together with Sri Lanka to further consolidate our strategic cooperative partnership and seek development for a better future. We need to consolidate our good neighbourliness and be the development partners that share common benefits," a translation of his speech added.

He also said that Sri Lanka and China should work together to achieve more results in projects and practical economical operations such as the Hambantota Port including Colombo port city under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.