Sri Lanka will approve access to Chinese ships on a “case by case” basis, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.
He told reporters, Thursday, that a medical ship from China has already been given approval to arrive in Sri Lanka over the weekend.
The Minister said that Sri Lanka has no issue with such ships arriving in Sri Lankan waters.
India has raised concerns in the past over Chinese research vessels arriving in Sri Lanka and posing a threat to the security of India.
Jayatissa said that Sri Lanka will deal with China and India in a diplomatic manner.
Qin Boyong, Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) said this week that China is to resume maritime research activities in Sri Lanka.
Boyong told President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that there are plans to restart maritime research activities, which were temporarily halted for various reasons, along with initiating relevant projects.