Minister of Foreign Affairs, President’s Counsel M.U.M. Ali Sabry has denied reports that Sri Lanka has granted permission to China to establish a radar base in the Southern Province.
During an interview on Television Derana on Monday (10), he clarified that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not received any request to establish a radar base, and no approval has been granted.
This statement comes amid concerns over Sri Lanka’s growing ties with China and speculation that the country’s relationship with China could lead to the establishment of a Chinese military base.
The Sri Lankan government has repeatedly denied these allegations, emphasizing that its relationship with China is based on economic cooperation and does not involve any military agreements.
The establishment of a radar base in the Southern Province could allow China to monitor shipping traffic in the Indian Ocean, which has raised concerns among some countries, particularly India and the United States.
They view China’s increasing influence in the region as a threat to their own strategic interests.
However, for now, the Sri Lankan government has made it clear that it has not approved any such plan.
Aivaree (Source)