President urges assistance from China to restructure debt repayments

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has urged assistance from China to restructure its debt payments, to attract Chinese tourists and for a concessional trade credit scheme.

The request was made when the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with President Rajapaksa  at the Presidential Secretariat on Sunday.

The President pointed out that it would be a great relief to the country if the attention could be paid on restructuring the debt repayments as a solution to the economic crisis that has arisen in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, a statement from the President’s office said.

The President also said that if a concessional trade credit scheme could be initiated for imports from China, it would enable the industries to operate smoothly, the release added.

The President also requested Mr. Wang Yi to assist in attracting Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka under the bio-bubble concept.

President Rajapaksa recalled the historic close ties between the two countries.

The President extended his  gratitude on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and its people to the Chinese Foreign Minister for the material and financial assistance received from China in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recalling the profound friendship between the two countries, Mr. Wang Yi said that he was pleased to be back in Sri Lanka and said that China would always support Sri Lanka as a close friend.

The President also expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Government for its continued support in providing Sinopharm vaccines to Sri Lanka in order to successfully implement the COVID-19 vaccination programme.