Sri Lanka seeks US $ 1.5 Bn assistance from China, says Ambassador

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has requested financial assistance of US $ 1.5 Bn from China.

This was confirmed by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka on Monday (21) morning.

"Since the pandemic, international rating agencies have downgraded Sri Lanka. So China has been firm in supporting Sri Lanka in combating the COVID pandemic, rejuvenizing the economy and supporting the livelihood of the Sri Lankan people," said Qi Zhenhong, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka

He said that China has provided altogether provided US $ 2.8 Bn financial assistance to Sri Lanka and this is not affiliated with any additional conditions.

“We are considering 2.5 billion – 1 billion dollar loan, 1.5 billion dollars buyers credit,” Ambassador Qi told reporters in Colombo.

“Sri Lanka and China have started close negotiations on bilateral relations,” Ambassador Qi said.