Sri Lanka : Sri Lanka rejects claims that it engaged in arms deal with China

* Sri Lanka rejects claims that it engaged in arms deal with China
Sat, Jul 4, 2009, 08:53 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

July 04, Colombo: Sri Lanka has rejected claims that China and Sri Lanka engaged in an arms deal during the war in the country.

Visiting Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told media in China that Sri Lanka and China enjoy a traditional bilateral relationship and have enjoyed a smooth development of cooperation since the diplomatic ties were established in 1957.

The Minister also rejected reports that China was providing military equipment to Sri Lanka to fight against the LTTE.

"The rumors of arms sales are based on no facts and figures," the Minister said.

Minister Bogollagama however praised China's significant efforts in responding to humanitarian aid calls to Sri Lanka.

China gave $1 million in humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka to help displaced civilians. The Chinese government also provided 20 million yuan ($2.9 million) worth of tents to help the Internally Displaced Persons out of the discomfort after the conflict.

Bogollagama was visiting China from July 1 to 5 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

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