China has rejected request of donating 1 million MT of rice to Sri Lanka, despite Co-Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Ramesh Pathirana’s claim, The Morning reported.
According to The Morning although Sri Lanka has made the request, China has rejected request for such a donation.
Diplomatic sources had told The Morning that China had not agreed to the request by Sri Lanka and that there will be no donation made.
However, the Trade Ministry said that the said stock of rice is to be received by Sri Lanka following a request made by Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardana and that there has been no change to that position.
Dr. Pathirana announced at the weekly Cabinet media briefing last Tuesday (18) that the consignment is expected to arrive on the island in March and that the donation is being made to mark the 70th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact signed between the two countries in 1952.