SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem has said that Sri Lanka shouldn’t allow foreign powers to engage in activities inimical to the security of India within the territory or territorial waters of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is now the responsibility of the government of Sri Lanka to ensure that it takes all meaningful measures necessary to realize these objectives, the MP said.
The following is the text of a statement issued by the SLMC as regards the docking-in of the Chinese vessel “Yuan Wang5” in Hambantota port: “The position of the SLMC on warships, military or naval craft being allowed into Sri Lankan waters is based on the broad principles of national sovereignty, international peace and security, and non- alignment.
“The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress continues to advocate for the vision of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace. This vision, which was promoted, by Sri Lanka during the Cold War period, in our view is more relevant today than ever before.
“We envision and remain committed to working with all progressive sections of the wider Indian Ocean community to ensure that we take all practical and meaningful steps to make the Indian Ocean safe and secure at all times, in which peaceful navigation and economic activities beneficial to littoral states take place; contributing to the stability and prosperity of all states.
“Accordingly, we would encourage the government of Sri Lanka and other states and stakeholders not to compromise such a vision of the Indian Ocean by allowing the passage and docking-in of warships or naval craft, the mission and movement of which is perceived to not manifest this spirit at any times, under any circumstances and by any party.
In this context, it is also pertinent to note that Sri Lankan leaders have given repeated assurances that nothing inimical to the security of India will be permitted within the territory or territorial waters of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is now the responsibility of the government of Sri Lanka to ensure that it takes all meaningful measures necessary to realize these objectives.”
Source: The Island Online