China is not Sri Lanka’s friend, but Mahinda’s - Shanakiyan

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has questioned Sri Lanka’s relationship with China.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday (Nov 30), Rasamanickam accused China of not being a friend of Sri Lanka, but instead, a friend of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“If China truly wishes to stand with the people of Sri Lanka during difficult times, they should corporate with the debt restructuring process. As I understand, the entire IMF negotiations are at a standstill due to this,” the MP said.

Rasamanickam further questioned the opportunities Chinese investments have created in Sri Lanka’s job market.

“Tell me a single investment that the Chinese have made in this country where Sri Lankan people have been given employment. There’s not a single industry. There could be industries where the Chinese have used Sri Lankans as labourers. I’m not talking about labourers, I’m talking about industries where there is job creation”, he argued, adding that China has only forced down useless investments in Sri Lanka with the help of the Rajapaksa family.

In response to the parliamentarian’s remarks, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo reiterated that China is the biggest supporter to Sri Lanka in fighting Covid-19 and livelihood relief, including the Batticaloa District he represents.

In a twitter thread, the embassy recalled that China is also the first respondent to Sri Lanka’s financial crisis since its default in April.

Sorry Mr. MP, your understanding is incorrect and incomplete.

China is the biggest supporter to Sri Lanka in fighting COVID19 & livelihood relief, including in your district Batticaloa.

China is also the first responder to LK's financial crisis since its default in April:

1/ https://t.co/QbK2v8No5J

— Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) November 30, 2022