The People’s Republic of China, established by the Chinese Communist Party on October 1, 1949, is set to commemorate its 77th anniversary this year. Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, was among the first nations to acknowledge China when many others hesitated, reflecting a historical connection that spans centuries with Chinese civilization. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), China has consistently supported Sri Lanka, particularly during challenging times related to human rights discussions in international forums. Nonetheless, impartial observers recognize that the pressures exerted on Sri Lanka may be influenced by the domestic political dynamics of other UNSC members. Some might contend that the internal conflicts in Sri Lanka have inadvertently allowed others to seek improved human rights conditions after relocating. During the recent 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights presented a report emphasizing the necessity for substantial accountability, institutional reforms, and a pause on the Prevention of Terrorism Act. In response, the Sri Lankan government underscored the nation’s progressive domestic reforms and economic resilience while dismissing the need for external accountability mechanisms.
Critics, including those who impose sanctions on other nations without UN authorization, often label China as undemocratic. However, it is essential to recognize that China, as the sole permanent member of the UNSC, functions under a governance model that accommodates diverse systems within the country. Many may not be aware of regions such as Guangxi, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Tibet, along with the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao.
While the Chinese government, led by the Communist Party, has successfully ensured the right to life for over 20% of the global population, it has also ushered its citizens into what it calls a ‘New Era.’ Rather than seeking to annex foreign territories or exploit fossil fuels, China has lifted more than 700 million people, including many Sri Lankans, out of poverty through its Belt and Road Initiative, promoting cooperative development.
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Access to clean water and sanitation is recognized by the United Nations as a fundamental human right. Despite this, billions around the world still lack safe drinking water and sanitary facilities. The UN urges all governments to adopt a rights-based approach to guarantee access to these essential services for all individuals, without exception.
Notably, Chinese engineers played a pivotal role in constructing the 27+ km irrigation tunnel in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, the longest in South Asia, marking a significant step toward delivering safe drinking water to residents in the Northern Province. Furthermore, China has collaborated with Sri Lanka to establish the China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology at Peradeniya University in Kandy, develop an integrated water supply system for the Gampaha district, and implement small-scale groundwater purification and rainwater harvesting projects in arid areas. Additionally, China contributed a specialized kidney hospital to assist Sri Lankans affected by contaminated water, thus supporting the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). These initiatives are expected to mitigate social conflicts and stimulate economic growth.
As a Chinese proverb states, ‘The friendship of a gentleman is as plain as water.’
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
The author is an academic and the Executive Director of the Zheng He Center in Colombo.
Photo source: www Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
