BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China believes Sri Lanka has the ability to deal with its current domestic unrest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Wednesday.

It has been reported that Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday evening signed an official notification declaring a week-long nationwide state of emergency in the wake of communal clashes.

"We are aware of the reports," Geng told a routine press briefing. "China believes that the Sri Lankan government and people are capable of handling the current situation, maintaining social stability and national unity."

"We hope Sri Lanka will take concrete measure to protect Chinese nationals living in the country," he added.