No review of policy with specific country

The Sri Lankan Government today denied reports it had decided to review its policy with a specific country.

The statement came after the local media quoted Japanese media reports as saying that Sri Lanka was to dilute dependence on China.

The media reports had quoted Minister Mangala Samaraweera as telling the Japanese media that Sri Lanka will review its China dependent foreign policy and boost ties with other nations.

The Foreign Ministry said that its attention has been?drawn to certain media reports in the Japanese print and electronic media?during Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera?s visit to Japan pertaining to Sri Lanka?s foreign policy.

These media reports have since?been carried in local and other foreign media as well.

“The Ministry wishes to clarify that?the Minister did not, at any point, refer to a review of Sri Lanka?s foreign?policy pertaining to any country during his interactions with the media, during?the visit. In response to questions raised during the series of media?interactions that he had ? Press Conference at the Japan National Press Club, interviews?with the Yomiuri, Nikkei and Asahi Shimbum newspapers and NHK Television ? the?Minister clarified that Sri Lanka strives to win back friends who have been?traditionally very close to Sri Lanka since Independence,” the Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Mahishini Colonne said in a statement.

With regard to investment projects,?the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the Minister clarified that all investment projects undertaken before 8 January?are being reviewed on account of allegations that due procedures had not been?followed in the process of awarding contracts for such projects. (Colombo Gazette)