MP Shanakiyan warns Chinese Embassy of ‘ChinaGoHome’ campaign

December 2, 2022 at 2:39 PM

Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickan has warned that a “ChinaGoHome” campaign will be launched in Sri Lanka if China and its Embassy in Colombo do not work for the benefit of Sri Lanka.

Addressing Parliament today (02), the Batticaloa District MP stated that he himself will lead the campaign if China fails to assist Sri Lanka in its economic recovery.

Stating that the IMF negotiations have been stalled due to the issues surrounding debt restructuring, he said China must step up and agree to debt restructuring if it truly wants to assist Sri Lanka. 

The MP made the comments after raising concerns over the Chinese Embassy’s responses on Twitter to MP Shanakiyan’s statements in Parliament.

Pointing out the matter, MP Shanakiyan questioned the right of the Chinese Embassy to comment on matters discussed in the Parliament of Sri Lanka. 

“I am speaking for the people of Sri Lanka. I have the privilege to speak in this House. The Chinese Embassy repeatedly tagging me on Twitter is a serious concern for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. What does the Chinese Embassy have to do with matters discussed within this chamber,” he questioned. 

MP Shanakiyan said he had mentioned the role of China with regard to Sri Lanka’s debt as he wishes for the IMF negotiations to proceed, which is a primary concern for Sri Lanka at present. 

“All I said was help with the debt restructuring process. We do not expect China to write off the debts, but we expect the country to at least engage in the debt restructuring process,” he said. 

MP Shanakiyan further warned that if China does not assist Sri Lanka with the debt restructuring process, then a “ChinaGoHome” campaign will be launched, adding that he will lead it. (NewsWire)