India monitoring SL protests against SOFA

12 July 2019 05:36 pm - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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India is keeping a close watch as protests grow in Sri Lanka over the proposed Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the US, which could enable the setting up of an American military base in Sri Lanka, the Economic Times reported today.

India is of the view that as a close neighbour, it would respect Colombo's decision, as the Sri Lankan Prime Minister on Wednesday announced that his country would not sign any pact that violated sovereignty.

“Delhi will respect Colombo’s decision on the matter. We are keeping a close watch as this pertains to our neighbourhood that has strategic significance for India,” an informed source who did not wish to be named has told the ET.

President Maithripala Sirisena also said over the weekend that he would not allow signing of any agreement which would not be in Sri Lanka's interests.

The Lankan Government came under fire from the opposition over the SOFA, which would give the US forces unrestricted access to Sri Lankan facilities as well as diplomatic immunity.

"We have not signed a new agreement, but we have been discussing a draft. We will not sign anything to harm our independence and sovereignty," Mr. Wickremesinghe told parliament on Wednesday, in response to an opposition query.

He said the Lankan ports would not be allowed to be used by any foreign force. "There was an exchange of letters between the then President JR Jayewardene and former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi. It was stated that Trincomalee or any other ports in Sri Lanka will not be available for military use by any country," he said.

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Comments - 8

Sas Friday, 12 July 2019 06:25 PM

If US military members are granted diplomatic immunity then our soldiers should also be given it

Are u joking Friday, 12 July 2019 06:39 PM

Sri Lanka will not honour any agreements. SL does not have the ability,will or attitude .

Are u joking Friday, 12 July 2019 06:39 PM

Sri Lanka will not honour any agreements. SL does not have the ability,will or attitude .

Are u joking Friday, 12 July 2019 06:39 PM

Sri Lanka will not honour any agreements. SL does not have the ability,will or attitude .

Are u joking Friday, 12 July 2019 06:39 PM

Sri Lanka will not honour any agreements. SL does not have the ability,will or attitude .

Maha Friday, 12 July 2019 08:53 PM

RAW may try very hard to eliminate our Prime Minister. Intelligence and the CID be aware of this. Unlike others the Indians are the most dangerous .

Amara Friday, 12 July 2019 08:57 PM

Is this RW's last middle finger to Sri Lanka?

Daut Monday, 15 July 2019 12:08 PM

Lot of comments must have been sent to you about India but as usual you have suppressed those comments. This is an obvious proof that there are RAW operatives working for your paper. Do you know something ,our Intelligence is watching each of you 24/7.

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India monitoring SL protests against SOFA

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