By K J M Varma (Press Trust of India), BEIJING – China will play a “positive role” in easing the financial difficulties of cash-strapped Sri Lanka and its bid to achieve “debt sustainability” while Colombo will accelerate the formulation of a BRI cooperation plan to advance Beijing’s projects in the island nation, a joint statement said on Saturday.
As Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena wrapped up his official weeklong visit to China, the joint statement brought out the highlights of the agreements discussed during his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang besides attending the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference.
“The Chinese side expresses its readiness to continue supporting its financial institution in actively consulting with Sri Lanka, maintain friendly communication with other creditors, and play a positive role in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help Sri Lanka ease its financial difficulties and achieve debt sustainability,” the joint statement said.