Sri Lanka's double-game, promise of maritime security turned out to be hollow, China is going to start research activities.
Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake is preparing for a double game with India. By choosing India for his first foreign tour, he gave a strong message to China but now he is once again getting closer to China.
Dissanayake had assured Prime Minister Modi during his meeting that he would not allow Sri Lanka's water, land, or airspace to be used against India's security, but his secret was revealed during his meeting with a Chinese delegation.
Met with Ms. Qin Boyong of CPPCC today (18) and expressed gratitude to China for supporting Sri Lanka in debt restructuring and economic challenges. I look forward to strengthening ties, expediting key projects like the Central Expressway, and enhancing partnerships in Colombo… pic.twitter.com/fKd3T70Rp0
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) December 18, 2024
Dissanayake's double game?
Sri Lanka's first leftist president, Anura Dissanayake, was already considered close to China. This is why the Indian government took steps to maintain better relations with them through diplomatic means so that the country's maritime security could be strengthened.
On the other hand, during the meeting with the Chinese delegation, President Dissanayake not only expressed gratitude for China's help but also expressed hope to strengthen relations and increase partnership in projects like Hambantota which are a matter of concern for India.
During a meeting with the delegation, which was attended by Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the China Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Qin Boyong, Anura Dissanayake expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Chinese government during the debt restructuring and economic crisis and said, 'I hope to strengthen relations, accelerate major projects such as the Central Expressway and enhance partnership in Colombo Port City and Hambantota.'
China will start marine research activities.
Meanwhile, CPPCC member Qin Boyong said during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday that China is going to resume marine research activities in Sri Lanka. Boyong said that China looks forward to continuing its work with the new government of Sri Lanka, which will further strengthen the long-term relations between the two countries.
Dissanayake is getting closer to China.
President Dissanayake stressed the need for completion of the pending Central Expressway under Chinese management and hoped to expedite the commissioning of supply centres and institutional projects around the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota district.
The President also thanked China for its assistance during Sri Lanka's disaster situations and the provision of school uniforms for children. He stressed the continued need for China's support in the future.
Sri Lankan President will visit China soon
Meanwhile, Kin Boyong said that there are plans to launch relevant projects as well as resume marine research activities that were temporarily halted due to various reasons.
Furthermore, he said that Chinese companies intend to establish themselves in the Hambantota investment region, which aims to provide Sri Lanka with better global access. He also said that preparations are underway to give a warm welcome to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his future visit to China.