Govt. allays fears about Chinese sub

The External Affairs Ministry today in Parliament allayed the fears that the docking of a Chinese Submarine in the Colombo Port had triggered security concerns in the neighborhood.

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan raised concerns over Sri Lanka's growing economic and defence relations with China would pose a threat to the interests of India. He was highly critical of China.

However, Monitoring MP of the External Affairs Ministry Sajin de Vaas Gunawardane said both China and India were extending their cooperation to Sri Lanka, but the Indian assistance had been centric to the northern part of the country. Nonetheless, he said the government wanted to develop the entire country at once, and therefore the government turned to China for development assistance.

"If India wants to extend further cooperation, we will welcome it. We have better relations with India. There is a better understanding between President Mahinda Rajapaka and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

Also, he said there was nothing new about the docking of the Chinese submarine in the Colombo port.

"Today, Sri Lanka has emerged as an important naval hub. We have naval ships from different countries coming in," he said.

External Affairs Minister G.L.Peiris said Sri Lanka's relations with China had been historical, and the BMICH built during the time of late Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike and the construction of Aluthkade courts complex during the time of late President J.R.Jayewardene were symbols of it.

Likewise, he said excellent relations exist between Sri Lanka and India today.