SL won't allow repeat of Chinese submarine visits: Mangala

28 February 2015 12:16 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 6 Bookmark

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Sri Lanka's new Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has said today in Beijing that the new government will not allow a repeat of last year's visits by a Chinese submarine that had raised concerns in India.

Asked following his two-day visit to Beijing if the new Colombo government would, as ousted President Mahinda Rajapaksa had done, allow Chinese submarines access to Sri Lankan ports, Samaraweera said, "I really don't know under which sort of circumstances that led to some submarines.. to the port of Colombo on the very day the Japanese Prime Minister was visiting Sri Lanka. But we will ensure that such incidents, from whatever quarter, do not happen during our tenure."

Samaraweera held talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit.

The focus of his talks was to lay the groundwork for new Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena visit to China starting March 26 - his second overseas tour following his February visit to India.

Samaraweera said the new government would bring Sri Lanka's foreign policy 'back to the centre' and make it more balanced, but rejected suggestions that this meant diluting the close ties Rajapaksa built with China.

"Back to the centre I don't think has any bearing on Sri Lanka China relations. It will remain as they were, and we will try to strengthen relations with China further in terms of rest of the world," he added. (IndiaToday)

Comments - 6

Sally Sunday, 01 March 2015 12:20 AM

This is good and responsible talk. Kudos to the government for taking positive steps to maintain friendly relations. As a small island nation we should be friendly with all nations and not try to get into world disputes as we could be the country to get really messed up. I doubt the Chinese people have any regard for another race apart from the Americans. The Chinese only respect power, wealth and strength.

8 18

sam Sunday, 01 March 2015 01:38 AM

This is to please India, There will be consequences also if we play with China.

13 15

Dayawathie Sunday, 01 March 2015 03:29 AM

Talk big Mangala. Not long to go. In a few months time you will be nobody again.

12 24

Sds Sunday, 01 March 2015 05:51 AM

Sounds as if the minister been snubbed by China

5 11

Lakshman De Silva Sunday, 01 March 2015 08:24 AM

Mangala Samaraweera and his teams tenure will end soon

7 22

Nims Sunday, 01 March 2015 11:50 AM

Father ruined the SLFP and now the son the UNP

1 14

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