The Peoples Republic of China was founded by the Chinese Communist Party on 1^st October 1949 & will be celebrating its 77^th anniversary this year. Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) recognized it when many didn’t as latter has had centuries old relations with the great Chinese civilization. China is the only permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) which has unconditionally protected Sri Lanka whenever it was pushed to the wall especially in connection to human rights at international forums. However, unbiased analysts are aware that such pressure may be due to domestic politics of some of members of the UN. One might hence, argue that Sri Lankan conflicts have created opportunities to some to experience better ‘Rights’ rights after migrating. Even at the recent 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the report on Sri Lanka by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights indicated the need for robust accountability, institutional reforms & a moratorium on the Prevention of Terrorism Act etc. In response the Sri Lankan government highlighted country's progressive domestic reforms, economic resilience, & rejected external accountability mechanisms (Ref. Media).

Chinese Rights

Some including those who unilaterally impose sanctions on other states without UN approval usually criticize China for not being democratic. They should be reminded that China is the only permanent member of the UNSC which practices ‘one country many systems of government’. May be they aren’t aware of the Guangxi, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia & Tibet Autonomous Regions along with Hong Kong & Macao Special Administrative Regions.

Whilst ensuring the right to life for more than 20% of the global human population within China, Chinese Communist Party led government has already taken the Chinese people to a ‘New Era’. Without attempting to annex foreign lands & loot fossil fuel, China through win-win cooperation raised more than 700 million including Sri Lankans above the poverty line along the Belt & Road Initiative.

Water is a ‘Right’

Although China has never interfered in the internal affairs, some may interpret that China doesn’t act to ensure minority ‘Rights’ in Sri Lanka like some others. Access to water & sanitation are recognized by the UN as basic human rights. However, billions are still living without safe water & sanitation globally. Therefore, the UN encourages all governments to take a ‘Rights’ based approach in providing safe water & sanitation leaving no one behind (Ref. UN).

Hence, it worth noting that it was Chinese engineers who assisted Sri Lanka to dig the 27+ KM irrigation tunnel in the North Central Province (longest in South Asia) as the first step to take safe drinking water to Sri Lankans in the Northern Province.

Apart from that China has supported Sri Lanka to build; China Sri Lanka Joint Research & Demonstration Center for Water Technology (Peradeniya University, Kandy), integrated water supply system covering Gampaha district & the small scale groundwater purification projects & rainwater harvesting units in dry zones. Sri Lankans must also remember that China gifted one of world’s best specialized Kidney hospitals to ensure the ‘Rights’ of Sri Lankans suffering as a result of consuming contaminated water. These acts shall support to ensure the right to a clean, healthy & sustainable environment (Ref. UDHR). It will contribute to prevent social conflicts & energize the economy.

‘The friendship of a gentleman is as plain as water’ – Chinese proverb

Views expressed are personal

Author is an Academic & the Executive Director of the ‘Zheng He’ Center in Colombo.

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