David Cameron claims he is 'a friend of Sri Lanka' as pressure over Chinese project grows

by Thusiyan
Jan 10, 2024

Britain’s current foreign secretary claimed he visited the controversial Chinese-backed Port City Colombo as a “friend of Sri Lanka,” as the former premier sought to bat off allegations of ties with Beijing.

Appearing before the foreign affairs committee, Cameron denied that he was a “friend of China” as he drummed up investment for a controversial multibillion-pound Chinese project in Colombo. 

“I did it as a friend of Sri Lanka,” claimed Cameron.

“The Sri Lankan president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, when I was there on holiday I met with him and went and had a look at Port Colombo.”

Cameron visited the Port City Colombo site in January 2023 and was flanked by officials.

Months later, he told an audience at the UAE that “Port City Colombo is at the centre of this sea of opportunity”.

His involvement in the project caused dismay, not just from his colleagues in the party and British parliamentarians, but also from Tamils and human rights activists around the world.

Read more:

Has David Cameron turned his back on Sri Lanka's Tamil victims?

British MPs raise concern over Cameron’s dealings with China

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