Enraged China stops aid to Sri Lanka
Colombo (Sri Lanka) – Sri Lanka had awarded the construction of three solar power plants to Chinese entities; however, Sri Lanka has cancelled the agreement with China and entered into an agreement with India. The capacity of this project is 2,230 Kw. For this, the Government of India will give 1.1 crore dollars (around Rs 90 crore) to Sri Lanka as a grant instead of a loan. This is being considered as a success for India’s diplomacy.
Sri Lanka had signed an agreement with China for power generation projects on the islands of Nainativu, Delft (Nedunthivu) and Analaitivu. Sri Lanka has voided this agreement. This has angered China and it has begun to freeze aid to Sri Lankan citizens. China is also trying to increase the pressure on Sri Lanka. China has reduced aid to the ‘Smiling Children Food Package’ project run by the ‘China Foundation for Rural Development’ in Sri Lanka. Daily ration was delivered to 10,000 students in 142 schools. Officials say the facility will be closed soon.
Editorial Perspective
As Sri Lanka realises the threat from China, it is now throwing off the yoke of China and coming closer to its real friend, India. Like Sri Lanka, Maldives will soon realise its mistake. |