Controversy over Indian Defence Minister deferring visit to SL

The attention of political leaders worldwide has been drawn to the decision to defer the visit of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Sri Lanka at the last moment.

Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on September 02-03 to review bilateral defence ties.

However, it was later announced that the visit has been deferred and fresh dates are to be decided later.

The Indian Defence Minister earlier announced that he would visit Sri Lanka against the backdrop when a Chinese research vessel is also scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka.

Many elements in political and security sectors around the world have expressed their views about this development.

Political and security sources said the deferral of the visit of the Defence Minister of India which has the fourth strongest military power in the world, could lead to serious issues.

During the visit, several rounds of crucial talks on defence relations between India and Sri Lanka were planned to be held.

The Indian Defence Minister was also scheduled to meet President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena as well as other heads of government during the visit.

Source – Ada Derana