The Ministry of Defence says the Chinese research vessel, Yuan Wang 5, was granted permission to enter the Hambantota Port after a thorough assessment.
Defence Ministry Spokesman Col. Nalin Herath speaking to the BBC said the Defence Ministry on the 30th of July confirmed that the vessel had sought clearance to call at the Hambantota Port in August.
Col. Herath said the vessel will be in Hambantota from the 11th to the 17th of August, mainly for replenishment, including fuel.
Col. Herath said such vessels periodically come from various countries such as India, China, Japan, and Australia terming it as nothing unusual.
India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi last week said that India carefully monitors any development having a bearing on its security and economic interests.