Its worth to prevent a conflict with China

Conflict Prevention; a worthy effort when it is China.  

Year	Event
1948	Sri Lanka became an Independent Nation with some legal and military dependence on UK.
1949	Chairman Mao declared the founding of the People's Republic of China.
1950	Sri Lanka recognized Peoples Republic of China by government of D.S. Senanayaka (UNP).
1952	SL – China Rubber Rice Pact signed during the government of Dudley Senanayaka (UNP).
1970s	China donated Bandaranaike Conference Hall (BMICH) to the government of Sirima Bandaranaike (SLFP).
1980s	China donated Supreme Courts Complex to government of J.R. Jayawardane (UNP).
1990s	China donated the Nelum Pokuna Theater to government of Chandrika Kumaratunga (SLFP)
2000s	China supported to build the Hambantota Port & Mattala International Air Port. Chinese President visited Sri Lanka and initiated Sri Lanka’s largest ever development project the Colombo Port City during government of Mahinda Rajapaksa (SLFP).
2014	Port City cancellation (if Sirisena (SLFP) becomes president) was announced by Ranil Wickramasinghe (UNP).
2015	After assuming office President Sirisena visited China after visiting India and the west and the government suspended Port City.
2016	Prime minister Wickramasinghe visited China and announced the restart of Port City at a conference in Europe.
2016	Chinese envoy indicated not to mix economy with politics and Minister Ravi Karunanayaka responded in the same tone. This was the first time a Chinese envoy has publicly commented.
	For centuries China has been a close friend. Since 1949 China has been a sincere friend despite who rules Sri Lanka. China unconditionally protected Sri Lanka at all International forums. How can we go for a win win outcome?

© Dr. Samitha Hettige, November 2016