Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Sri Lanka, a significant diplomatic discussion took place between Chinese officials and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, according to Mawurata News, Sinhalese-language weekly publication based in Colombo. The Chinese delegation, led by Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, reportedly raised serious concerns over unpaid dues related to large-scale infrastructure projects—including highways, expressways, and ports—funded by China under previous Sri Lankan governments.
These projects, executed by leading Chinese state-backed companies, have come to a standstill due to Sri Lanka’s financial crisis and the government’s decision to suspend all related payments. While some payments were made in installments under the previous administration, the current government has taken steps to halt them entirely, citing financial mismanagement and corruption.
During the meeting, the Chinese Ambassador is said to have requested the immediate settlement of outstanding amounts. However, President Wickremesinghe reportedly responded that extensive fraud had been uncovered in the handling of these projects, including forged vouchers and inflated costs. He stated that ongoing investigations prevent any repayments at this stage.
The ambassador, reportedly dissatisfied with the response, warned that unresolved payments could negatively impact future Chinese investments in the country. Despite this, the President is said to have stood firm on his position, emphasizing the need for transparency and legal accountability.
