The Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka has rebutted an allegation made by the New York Times that the Chinese company which built the Hambantota port had contributed 7.6 million dollars to the 2015 election fund of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The embassy statement declared that the claim, made by the newspaper in an article on June 25, was “full of political prejudice and completely inconsistent with the fact”.
It further said China “has always been pursuing a friendly policy towards Sri Lanka and firmly supporting the latter’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposing any country’s interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka”.
The NYT report had said that “at least $7.6 million was dispensed from China Harbour’s account at Standard Chartered Bank to affiliates of Mr Rajapaksa’s campaign, according to a document, seen by The Times, from an active internal government investigation”.
The report further said “with 10 days to go before polls opened, around $3.7 million was distributed in cheques: $678,000 to print campaign T-shirts … and $297,000 to buy supporters gifts, including women’s saris. Another $38,000 was paid to a popular Buddhist monk who was supporting Mr Rajapaksa’s electoral bid, while two cheques totalling $1.7 million was delivered by volunteers to Temple Trees, his official residence”.
Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte passed away today while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo, his family said. He was 57. Recently, he was admitted to hospital following an illness.
Among the top news stories reported today were the passing away of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, questioning of NPP Leader Wimal Weerawansa by the CID over the remarks he made about the Easter Sunday attack investigations and a protest march held in Borella calling an end to Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza.
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A NPP MP has proposed that in the event of a dog bite caused by non-vaccinated domesticated pet dog, the owner of the pet should be called to pay for the treatment expenses incurred by the state run hospital.
Two persons reportedly involved in the murder of a resident in Peradeniya following a dispute over a chocolate worth 10 cents has been remanded by the Magistrate when Peradeniya Police produced them in court.
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