Lanka seeks Chinese aid to rebuild key infrastructure

Sri Lanka asked China to help rebuild key infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, which killed at least 641 people and caused extensive damage, the island’s foreign minister said yesterday.

Vijitha Herath said he made the request during talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, who stopped in Colombo yesterday after visiting Tanzania and Lesotho.

“I particularly requested the assistance of the Chinese government in infrastructure development, including the reconstruction of identified roads, railways, and bridges that were affected,” Herath said. He added that Wang had “assured his personal intervention” to assist Sri Lanka’s recovery from the deadly cyclone, which struck in November.

The two sides also discussed advancing cooperation in trade, investment and tourism, Herath said. Sri Lanka’s request for Chinese assistance came three weeks after India pledged $450 million in humanitarian aid for cyclone recovery.