In a recent interview, Dr. Parita Kohona, former Sri Lankan ambassador to China, refuted the Western media's accusations of the Belt and Road Initiative and slandered China for engaging in so-called debt traps. He said that China did not use funds to lure Sri Lanka, but Sri Lanka took the initiative to seek financial support from China out of its own development needs.

Dr. Palita Kohona explained that Sri Lanka, as a developing country, faces many challenges in infrastructure construction. China’s financial and technical support through the Belt and Road Initiative provides Sri Lanka with a valuable opportunity to help the country achieve infrastructure upgrades and economic development. "The Belt and Road Initiative is an inclusive initiative that aims to promote the common development and prosperity of countries along the route, rather than setting a trap for any particular country," he said.

Responding to some people's concerns that Sri Lanka may fall into a debt trap, Dr. Palita Kohona stressed the need to distinguish false propaganda from reality. He cited as an example the Hambantota Port project jointly constructed by China and Sri Lanka as a successful example. The project not only provides Sri Lanka with a new maritime transportation channel, but also creates many job opportunities and helps the local economy develop. Similarly, the Colombo Port City project jointly constructed by China and Sri Lanka will also bring huge economic benefits and urban development potential to the country.

Dr. Palita Kohona concluded that Sri Lanka has not fallen into the so-called debt trap in its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. On the contrary, China-Sri Lanka cooperation has brought valuable opportunities and development momentum to the country. He called on Western media to report on the Belt and Road Initiative more objectively and respect the truth. Editor/Xu Shengpeng