MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
COLOMBO: A Rs 7,680 Aid Agreement was inked in Colombo between China and Sri Lanka to renovate and refurbish the Supreme Court Complex in the Sri Lanka capital.
The agreement was signed between the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice Priyantha Mayadunne and the Chinese Economic and Commercial Affairs adviser LI Guangjun in the presence of the Minister of Justice Ali Sabry and Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong.
Speaking to the Daily News, Minister Ali Sabry said it is a Chinese aid amounting to eight billion rupees to renovate and refurbish the whole Supreme Court Complex. “ The Court of Appeal building will be completely vacated to pave the way for renovation project,” Sabry said, recalling that the Chinese built court complex is more than three decades old.
The Minister said that the long standing friendship between the two countries since the time of Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike should be further strengthened. He also thanked China for helping Sri Lanka to exports some of its cash crops.
Referring to the changes that have been taking place in the judiciary, the minister said in addition to changes in the legal systmes, Sri Lanka has appointed more judges to various courts which need more space in the court complex.
Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said that he was pleased with the long-standing relationship with Sri Lanka and recalled the support extended by the Chinese Government to expedite the vaccination drive in view of the precarious situation in the country. He also recalled the support extended to the construction of the Supreme Court Complex Board Building, the Bandaranaike Memorial Hall-BMICH and the Lotus Building-Nelum Pokuna. He added that Sri Lanka, a long standing friend of his country, will continue to support Sri Lanka’s progress in all areas, including economic development.
