President had met with Chinese ambassador before Indian visit?

The diplomatic community in Colombo is currently discussing a rumor that the President had secretly met with the Chinese ambassador in Colombo before leaving for India on Tuesday (8).

Diplomatic sources said that the President and the Chinese ambassador had met for about one hour and discussed the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to be signed with India. They had also discussed the possible additional financial assistance the Chinese government would provide if the Sri Lankan government did not sign the CEPA with India.