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

14 May 2023 11:39 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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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.

Comments - 15

sam Sunday, 14 May 2023 12:57 PM

So if there is a security requirement or a war we cannot fight in the south. Great

Cherath Sunday, 14 May 2023 01:22 PM

So how are you going to stop them IF they use Hambantota harbour for military purposes? (By the way, what was the commission received for that deal?)

Nimal Sunday, 14 May 2023 02:26 PM

Why we built the Hambantota Port in the first place? Are we making profits from the sale to Chinese and who made the initial decision to build a port in the first place?

Ram Sunday, 14 May 2023 02:43 PM

Minister Siripala, Port belonged to all of us. We must know the contract made with China. Please make the papers relating to contract public. If you can't do that we do not believe you. Government must make all deals public as they affect us the people

Maxwel Sunday, 14 May 2023 02:59 PM

Nimal Siripala, How much do you want now to reverse this statement of yours and say China can use it for any Military purpose? China will be willing to pay your cut unlike Japan who refused your request at the Katunayake airport development project.

Punchi Sunday, 14 May 2023 03:03 PM

In WW2 Portugal was neutral. The more stronger British took over Portuguese Azores and used it as a naval and airforce base. When the war between India, QUAD, AUKUS alliances and China happens we will not be able to prevent China using Hambantota as military asset

Lion Sunday, 14 May 2023 03:06 PM

If war breaks out in Asia China will never ask SL for its permission since they know very well a nation which is bankrupt and majority of the people who don’t get one square meal a day has no power to stop them.

Sam Silva Sunday, 14 May 2023 08:06 PM

You couldn't say it better.

RP Monday, 15 May 2023 02:15 AM

Trusting/expecting Chinese to adhere to agreements? Good Luck Minister. Please refer to the Hong Kong takeover agreement with Great Britain of and one country, two policies CRAP!

Eraj Gunwansa Monday, 15 May 2023 03:16 AM

Minister must be joking, he doesn’t understand that we gave port to the Chinese outright. This is the kind of ministers that Sri Lanka has.

S.Siva Monday, 15 May 2023 03:23 AM

Foreigners own a lot of things and places in Sri Lanka so is the Hambantota Port. Technically no one could use any facility for military purposes. However even a cell phone could turn out to be military weapon with ample power, if need be . How do you supervise perhaps you could do something after the damage is done. One should have borrowed and built a facility after a proper needs analysis . The only needs analysis in this project and several other projects in Sri Lanka is an answer to the question " how much do I have" will anyone have the guts to hold anyone accountable , sorry everyone's hand is muddied. When you show a finger at anyone the other four fingers point at the accuser. That is Sri Lanka

Jude Monday, 15 May 2023 08:59 AM

In south China Sea, China built military bases in some of those islands not belong to them even the Yankees couldn't stop!! Only thing Yankees can do is ply in the international Waters with their warships!!

Adwani Monday, 15 May 2023 09:51 AM

Real Lion, Really predicted. No more comments needed. Unlike a faded Hitler.

Tom socoly Monday, 15 May 2023 10:37 AM

His probly Right China is a super power like Sri Lanka in the money markets

Wiraj Tuesday, 16 May 2023 06:55 PM

Good if the government of Sri Lanka is also sold to another country. Then corruption

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

Comments - 15

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