China on Monday said it did not intend to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs, but was “closely following” the situation in the island nation, and had contacted the leaders involved in the crisis.
“China and Sri Lanka are close and friendly neighbors. We are closely following in the changes in the situation in Sri Lanka,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said.
“We always follow the principles of non-interference in other countries’ affairs. The changes in Sri Lanka’s situation are its internal affairs,” he added.
However, Mr. Lu acknowledged that the Chinese envoy in Colombo had met Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has been appointed Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena .
“We have maintained communication with relevant political parties in Sri Lanka. The Chinese ambassador…met [Mr.] Wikremesinghe [sic] and the new Prime Minister Rajapaksa…” Mr. Lu observed.
“We believe that Sri Lanka’s government, political parties and people have enough wisdom to properly deal with the internal situation.”
