Sri Lanka on Wednesday said it will not allow ‘offensive weapons’ in its waters. The comment were made by visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake, to the Deccan Chronicle.
The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister said the move was not aimed at any country adding that Sri Lanka would be willing to become part of the maritime corridors envisaged as part of China’s ambitious One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative on the grounds that shipping routes were ‘5000 years old’. Karunanayake said he wants Sri Lanka to be an economic entry point in the vicinity of India like Hong Kong was to China. “There are many who would like to live in Sri Lanka but do business in India,” he told the publication.
“Naval and offensive weapons don't fall into this category (shipping routes). Offensive weapons are not welcome in Sri Lankan waters. We are not targetting any country,” he said.
The visiting Minister also spoke about the ‘Indian-friendly approach’ of his country and praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who recently visited Sri Lanka on an official visit for his vision.
The Minister also indicated that India has been in touch with Sri Lanka regarding New Delhi’s views on the Chinese OBOR initiative but pointed out that India respects Sri Lanka's ‘sovereign right’ to take a decision keeping in mind Sri Lankan interests. He also welcomed Indian participation in infrastructure projects in his country.
Mr. Ali Sabri Rahim, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Puttalam District whom an open warrant had been issued, attended a public ceremony at Al Aksha National School in Kalpitiya today (16) as the special guest of honor.
The Supreme Court today refused interim relief in an application filed by President’s Counsel Senaka Walgampaya seeking an Order from the Supreme Court compelling the President to appoint judges to fill the existing vacancies in the Court Of Appeal.
All Ceylon Makkal Congress MP Ali Sabri Raheem had been arrested by Kalpitiya police after he surrendered to the police today morning.
Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena has been sent on compulsory leave pending disciplinary investigation over his failure to prevent the Easter Sunday bombings.
The 22nd amendment to the constitution dealing with the term of the President has been gazetted by order of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Auspicious times widely followed by candidates keeping with traditions will be taken into consideration by the Election Commission in fixing the date and time for the conduct on the Presidential polls.
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