No democracy can condone terrorism - Prime Minister

“No society or State that respects democracy can condone terrorism. The International Community that respects democracy today have come forward to support the Sir Lankan Government which is waging a war against this very terrorism”, said Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka at the Yunan National University in Yunnan Province in the People’s Republic of China.

Delivering a special lecture at this university, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka further said that this national educational institute shared one thing in common with Sri Lanka by accommodating students of various communities to study under one roof as in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a multi national and multi religious country where all communities live peacefully.

“We respect the ‘One China’ policy at all levels.

Ties between our two countries should be confined not only to diplomatic matters but should also include student exchange programmes educational and cultural exchanges as well.” “We observe the ‘Pancheseela’ policy which the then Chinese Prime Minister Chou En Lai praised at the Bandung Non Aligned Conference, the Prime Minister said. China continues to support us in various fields.

Our friendship dates back to very ancient times beginning from 457 AD when Fahien Bhikku visited Sri Lanka which paved the way for Buddhism, the Prime Minister said.

Vice Chancellor of the University, lecturers, academics, students and Sri Lankan officials based in China were also present at this occasion.