New Delhi: The Statement given by the Sri Lankan President’s office on Tuesday will definitely affect the Chinese agendas in the Indian Ocean. The Lankan President assured India that his country would not be allowed to be used for any activity that could pose a threat to India’s security, as he explained Colombo’s ties with China in a “comprehensive manner” to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and President Rajapaksa have exchanged views on a wide range of issues.
President Rajapaksa explained the nature of Sri Lanka’s relationship with China “in a comprehensive manner and informed the Indian Foreign Secretary not to have any doubts about it,” it said.
China has been ramping up its presence in Sri Lanka, investing billions of dollars in various infrastructure projects, including ports.
A strategic port that was built by Chinese companies at Hambantota – which Sri Lanka was not able to repay and therefore handed over to Beijing in 2017 on a 99-year lease – has enhanced Beijing’s presence on the island. India is also concerned over China’s plans to build a brand new city with Chinese money off the coast of Colombo on reclaimed land.
Sri Lanka is also key to China’s Belt and Road initiative (BRI), an ambitious infrastructure project that aims to expand the country’s influence and global trade links.
President Rajapaksa tweeted that he had a fruitful discussion with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
Had a fruitful discussion w/ Indian Foreign sec. @harshvshringla. Both agreed on the need for strengthening the lasting bond b/w 2 countries. I invited Indian investors to come to #SriLanka, while we discussed tourism, power generation & post-pandemic economy revival. pic.twitter.com/GPHCDreHP9
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) October 5, 2021
“Both agreed on the need for strengthening the lasting bond b/w 2 countries. I invited Indian investors to come to #SriLanka, while we discussed tourism, power generation & post-pandemic economy revival,” he said.
The Sri Lankan President elaborated on the need to re-establish the friendship and relations between India and Sri Lanka that existed in the 1960s and 70s. President Rajapaksa said that he is expecting to obtain India’s support in advancing the 1971 proposal to declare the Indian Ocean a peace zone.
The Foreign Secretary also interacted with the Indian High Commission officers at the Mission premises on Tuesday.
(_Vinayak.Barot)
