Hambantota Port with China can’t be used for war - Min. Nimal Siripala de Silva

Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva speaking to WION on Hambantota and Colombo ports, said that Sri Lanka's agreement with the Chinese is very clear that Hambantota port cannot be used for any war or security purposes but only for trade.

He also spoke about investments by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in the country, and more.

"We have excellent relations with India. India is helping and we are reciprocating. We have started flights from India to our airports. We have started ferry services to and from Madras. We have increased connectivity," Sri Lanka's Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva told WION at the sidelines of the sixth international Indian Ocean Conference in Bangladesh.

"We have to be mindful about the security of India. We have very friendly relationship," the minister emphasised, while adding that New Delhi is helping Colombo build its energy sector.

"We have requested India to come to Trincomalee port and do the value addition," Nimal Siripala de Silva said, in an invitation for New Delhi to invest at the port, located about 262 km southwest of Colombo.

Sri Lanka ports minister also expressed confidence on Adani investment in Colombo port

The minister added that while Colombo had to sell the Hambantota port to China, it has ensured that the port is not used for war or security purposes.

"We had to sell the Hambantota [port]. We asked India to take it over and the US to take it over. Then the Chinese came and took it over. It is a private sector [takeover]. It is not being used for other purposes.  Our agreement with the Chinese is very clear that it cannot be used for any war or security purposes but only trade," he added.