Sri Lanka on Wednesday issued a stern warning to China over Chinese ambassador in Colombo, Yi Xianliang, comments about the financial relationship between the two countries.

The warning comes after China defended Yi on his views in local media last week. In his remarks, Yi said that Colombo should stop criticizing Beijing's loaning system.

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A phone call conversation between Foreign Secretary Esala Weerakoon and Yi on Tuesday was aimed at creating room for communication in regards to the matter.

A Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson later revealed that Weerakoon had explained to Yi that any unsettled matter should be addressed directly to the Foreign Ministry, not through the media.

China, however, defended the Yi adding that his comment was not aimed at embarrassing the country, but a comment in regards to China-Sri Lanka relation.

"The Chinese Ambassador to Sri-Lanka exchanged views with friends from the media on China-Sri Lanka relations and the status quo of bilateral cooperation," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang. "He  clarified some misunderstanding and misleading  remarks regarding China-Sri-Lanka cooperation at a seminar."

Lu later wrote that exchange of views in regards to the relationship is conducive as it aids bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation. He said this enhances the friendship of the two while building a symbiotic relationship.

In response to a question he was asked the previous week, Yi explained that China had a direct agenda. He also warned that Sri Lanka was at risk of losing direct investments if it does maintain a uniform policy.

"We give loans to developing countries at 2% interest and not 5% like other countries," Yo said. "If you do not like this one, why come again and talk about another one?"

In his remarks, he also disapproved of allegations that Chinese firms were corrupt. He said that their main interest was to work with the current Sri Lankan government through various projects.

"China has no hidden agenda in Sri Lanka and conducts its affairs with the government in an open and transparent manner," he said.

Tagschina, Sri Lanka, China-Sri Lanka relations