No diplomatic rift over fertilizer ship: Foreign Minister

COLOMBO: Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris said that there is no diplomatic rift between Sri Lanka and China over the disputed Chinese fertilizer ship.

He was speaking at a media briefing held at Battaramulla.

He said the Chinese company, which won the contract to supply the controversial organic fertilizer, was seeking a $ 8 million compensation and that it was a normal trade matter.

Peiris said that in any trade, the aggrieved party has the right to send a summons and take legal action, adding that it is unfortunate that some people try to misinterpret such a situation and that this is not a diplomatic crisis.