PM welcomes China’s stance

Chaminda PERERA

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne on behalf of the Government yesterday welcomed China’s stance over the appointment of an advisory panel on Sri Lanka by UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon and reiterated that China has always respected the country’s sovereignty and independence.

He said the people of China have clearly said the Sri Lankans are capable of handling their internal matters.

“We are proud of China for being frank and straight forward in expressing their position over the appointment of an advisory council by the UN chief,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the launch of the FM channel of China Radio International at the Intercontinental Hotel, Colombo yesterday. VIS Broadcasting Company airs these programs in Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said Sri Lanka is the first country that demanded UN membership for China in the 1950s. He added that China has not engaged in any activities detrimental to the country’s sovereignty nor freedom.

“Late Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike and I visited China and met Chinese Leader Mao Tse-tung. BMICH is testimony to the relations enjoyed by the two countries,” he added. He said China and Sri Lanka first signed the Rubber-Rice Pact which brought many benefits to Sri Lankans in the early 1950s. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1957 and mutual ties developed since then.

[Bridge connecting Lanka and China ]

A new FM Radio channel broadcasting Sinhala, Tamil, English and Chinese programs from China Radio International in Beijing was launched by Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne. VIS Broadcasting Company airs these programs in Sri Lanka.

The China Radio International is a State run radio station which broadcasts programs in 60 languages. The objective of establishing this radio channel is to promote understanding on China and its culture to other countries. This channel will broadcast Sinhala, Tamil, English and Chinese programs for 19 hours daily.

This radio channel will also broadcast world affairs, interviews and entertainment programs enhancing bonds between the two countries.

China Radio International Director General Wang Geng Nian said Sri Lanka is among the few countries that accepted a new China.

He said this FM channel will take Lanka – Sino ties into new vistas as this would soon become a bridge connecting the people of Sri Lanka and China.

Company CEO Narendra Seelanatha received hi-tech broadcasting equipment from CRI Director General Wang Geng Nian.

Chinese Embassy Chief Advisor Han Tao also spoke. Deputy Foreign Minister Geethanjana Gunawardana, Western Province Chief Minister Alavi Mowlana, ANCL Editorial Director Seelaratna Senarath and Legal Director Rasanga Harischandra were present. CP