Japan concerned over exclusive use of SL Port by one country

5 September 2017 07:31 am - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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In response to the leasing of the Hambantota Port to a Chinese company, Japanese Ambassador Kenichi Suganuma said his country was against a particular country using a port exclusively in another country.

In an interview, at his office, to a select group of journalists from mainstream newspapers, the Ambassador said the Indian Ocean should remain ‘open and free'.

For that purpose, he said all the ports should be operated in a transparent and open manner. Also, he said Japan was against a particular country using the ports of other countries for military purposes.

“So, we hope that in future Sri Lanka ports will be controlled by the Sri Lankan government. We hope they will not be used militarily by another country and that all security matters and Customs operations will be handled by Sri Lanka,” the Ambassador said.

He said Sri Lanka was strategically located in the Indian Ocean with access to East Asia, South-East Asia, the Middle East and East Africa.

“In the south of Sri Lanka, there are some of the most important sea-lanes in the world. About 100,000 ships pass these sea lanes every year. So, Sri Lanka has deep ports like Colombo. Ships can come here for repairs, refueling, and transshipment. You can cover the entire South Indian Sea and the countries near the Bay of Bengal, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Iran, etc. Japan depends on sea trade for most of it oil,” he said.

The Ambassador said Japan depended on transnational trade and therefore these sea lanes were important.

“Sri Lanka is in the middle of it. That is why we keep saying that the Indian Ocean should be open and free,” he said. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 19

Jagath Tuesday, 05 September 2017 08:53 AM

Atleast now , these rulers can understand the danger ?

weera Tuesday, 05 September 2017 10:18 AM

Too late. Our greedy politicians will sell their mothers if the price is right. Within 99 years, Chinese will multiply like rabbits and occupy whole of Southern SL New race will evolve and they will be called Chinhalese.

ceylon Tuesday, 05 September 2017 09:26 AM

embassodor is correct.sri lanka dont have inteligent leaders.sri lanka has stupid leaders.they even cant clean roads.lanka is one of dirtiest in world. via DM Android App

Hemaka Tuesday, 05 September 2017 09:41 AM

This is Sri lankan style Mr ambassador. We understand the truth when the damage is already done. Then we make it an excuse for the next 30 years or so.

Hiran Tuesday, 05 September 2017 10:16 AM

Mr. Ambassador, the issue is only China has the money, means and need, in short demand, a venture like this. If you are so concerned, why your government took over the harbor for the same terms and conditions and avoid the potential military threats? Poor, cash strapped economy such as SL needs investors with deep pockets. Thank you!

Gune Tuesday, 05 September 2017 10:30 AM

Dear Ambassador,You make a good point. The Chinese Gov lent Sri Lanka the money very well knowing it couldn't pay-up and forced it into a debt trap. They had no concern that the former regime led by MR stole part of the money as it would only serve their interest. China is economically a hostile country.Countries like Japan should have come forward to assist us. Your statements are way too late Mr.Ambassador.

Ramza Tuesday, 05 September 2017 10:32 AM

And it is not advisable to give once land to another country to install their Military base, of a far away power, to threaten the neighbors Mr.ambassador

Neo Tuesday, 05 September 2017 10:35 AM

We don't have rulers that love the country nor voters who have a backbone. We will never become a country like Japan.

ceylon Tuesday, 05 September 2017 11:55 AM

chinese expantionism not started recent years.chinese are occupying world frm all diferent ways frm thousands of years ago. via DM Android App

ceylon Tuesday, 05 September 2017 11:58 AM

foreigners dont give citizenship in china.but some countries ruling by chinese presidentsex thai pm sinawatra chinese.indonesia 80% eonomy under chinese. via DM Android App

ceylon Tuesday, 05 September 2017 12:01 PM

americans buy and go.chinese buy and settle down forever.25%world population chinese.150 million chinese are living permenently in other countries. via DM Android App

DG Tuesday, 05 September 2017 02:43 PM

Country`s ports should be managed and administered by the Government and not by a Company which has major share belonging to a foreign country. However much this was pointed out our some Pundit politicians ignored that may be for their benefits. These aspects must be investigated someday.

sriyani Mangalika Tuesday, 05 September 2017 02:43 PM

Thank you very much for very informative and important timely message with genuine concern towards my country.You all have always been kind to us.

Sameen Jan Tuesday, 05 September 2017 03:06 PM

Who bombed Colombo and Trinco on a Easter day in the 1940s if it wasn't Japan.Who bombed Pearl Harbour? Who raped and killed 400,000 Chinese civilians in Nanjin in WW2.Did Japan object when the US took over Philippines harbours or when US bombed North Vietnam's harbours for over 10 years.Why were Japs tried for WW2 war crimes?

AUSLANKA Tuesday, 05 September 2017 04:52 PM

Everyone can have difference of opinions but they are not necessarily correct.

Chris Tuesday, 05 September 2017 05:10 PM

Oh at last the Japanese Ambassador has woken from his slumber. Where were you when we were trying to raise funds to pay off Rajapakse debt? For all the pundits out there for your info. China is buliding a much bigger port in Abu Dhabi and will be operating it. Please don't mix nationalism with business. Both MS and RW are much better Sinhalese than MR.

ceylon Tuesday, 05 September 2017 07:19 PM

what foreign embassodor can do to pay rajapaksa roberies.only lanka can get back the stolen money and pay the debts from it. via DM Android App

Free thinker Wednesday, 06 September 2017 02:03 AM

Japan can develop KKS harbour. Are you interested ambassador? Freethinker

Abe Wednesday, 06 September 2017 09:37 AM

Weera, your spot on. The entire article's summary in two and one eight's of lines.

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Japan concerned over exclusive use of SL Port by one country

Comments - 19

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