The Foreign Ministry, in a media statement released today (12), expressed concerns on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka regarding the proposed 'referandum' that Taiwan intends to hold on March 22, 2008 with the intention of 'seeking independence'.

The full text of the statement is as follows:

The Government of Sri Lanka is seriously concerned about the attempts by Taiwan to hold a so-called referendum on the pretext of seeking independence and joining the UN under the name of Taiwan, on 22nd March.

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the "One China Policy" and opposes any form of Taiwan independence and participation of Taiwan in any international and or regional organizations as this would be in blatant violation of established international norms and obligations enshrined in the UN charter. The People's Republic of China is the sole legal Government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.

Furthermore, the General Assembly Resolution 2758 of 1971 clearly resolves the China's representation in the UN and Sri Lanka strongly believes that the People's Republic of China represents the aspirations of all the people in China including those in Taiwan. Any attempts by to change this status–quo is regarded by Sri Lanka as detrimental to cross-straits relations and to the peace and stability of Asia as a whole.

Sri Lanka strongly hopes that Taiwan will respect the concerns of the international community and desist from engaging in the so-called referendum seeking "de jure independence".