All Chinese nationals detained in Sri Lanka released

COLOMBO - All Chinese nationals detained in Sri Lanka have been freed following the release of two Chinese women on Tuesday, said sources close to the case.

The two Chinese women with invalid visas were released from the Kollupitiya police station in Colombo after fines were paid, said a Chinese person, who helped pay the fines for the two Chinese women.

The person, who only gave his name as Su, said the two along with about 20 other Chinese nationals were detained by police on Monday night, and most of them were released on Monday night and early Tuesday morning after their passports and valid visas were presented to the police.

Local police said they set up several checkpoints on Monday night in Colombo targeting foreign nationals who stay in Sri Lanka without valid visas and during the operation several foreigners other than Chinese nationals were arrested.

The Chinese embassy said it attached great importance to the event and sent the consular staff to the police station to help free the Chinese nationals once they got the news.

The embassy said it referred the case to Sri Lanka's police headquarters and External Affairs Ministry, demanding the Sri Lankan side protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka, meanwhile reminding Chinese citizens to comply with local regulations and carry valid identity documents when traveling abroad.