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.
Popular grade five tuition teacher, Hayeshika Fernando wanted over assaulting a 21 year old youth was granted bail today after she surrendered to courts.
First Bishop of the Batticaloa Diocese, Retired Bishop Joseph Ponnaiya, passed away today at the age of 74, following a brief illness.
A British national had been arrested over attempting to smuggle in the largest haul of kush( drugs) from Thailand, customs said.
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