Lanka denies arms deal with China
4 Jul 2009, 1215 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Beijing, July 4 Visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has denied that his country has inked an arms deal with China.

"Sri Lanka and China enjoy a traditional bilateral relationship and have enjoyed a smooth development of cooperation since the diplomatic ties were established in 1957," Bogollagama told the China Daily.

He dismissed speculations that China was providing military equipment to Sri Lanka to fight against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and said the rumors of arms sales are based on "no facts and figures".

Bogollagama, however, lauded China's significant efforts in responding to Sri Lanka's humanitarian aid calls.

China gave a million dollars in humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka to help displaced civilians.

Beijing also provided 2.9 million dollars worth of tents to help the Internally Displaced Persons out of the discomfort after the conflict.

Bogollagama said China has a role to play in post-war Sri Lanka, especially in areas of development and reconstruction.

One of the key aspects of Bogollagama's visit to China is to further their relationship and seek help with future construction projects in Sri Lanka, he said.

There have been speculations in the West on China's funding of the construction of Hambantota port in the southern part of Sri Lanka.

Rumors have noted that it is strategically set to be China's overseas naval base and fuel oil bunkering terminals.

"Hambantota port is being constructed for commercial purposes to facilitate the important trade sea route in the Indian Ocean and will be a major source to Sri Lanka's economic development," Bogollagama said.

He declined to reveal if there is any or will be any naval bases of other countries in Sri Lanka. (ANI)

Related Latest

As in 2005, PM the driving force for finalising nuke deal with US in 2009 India to tell US no role for China in South Asia Indian Government says it has a plan to deal with Maoist violence US-India civil nuclear deal in final stages of completion China wants a Chinese version of Tibetan Buddhism, says Dalai Lama Maoists operating with China made arms: Home Secretary Pakistan denies presence of Mullah Omar in the country Krishna downplays Mirwaiz's China visit 'No objection to Mirwaiz's China visit if visa not stapled' Court denies bail to man responsible for wife's death

Related Latest

Warnie says 'Pup' Clarke is his new bunny in 20-20 match Assam bomb blast death toll rises to seven (Update Assam blast) Windies won't wilt against Aussies, says coach Williams Central Excise, Customs official protest in Delhi for better pay Teenager charged for mutilation murder of Brit Indian Orissa Govt orders heavy security deployment in Korapat District Ferguson's overhaul plan puts greats under scrutiny Arrest warrant issued against two ministers in Karzai's cabinet Former Australian cricket stars question Clarke's capacity to captain Headley always felt pulled between East and West: Investigators

• Windies won't wilt against Aussies, says coach Williams
• Warnie says 'Pup' Clarke is his new bunny in 20-20 match
• Assam bomb blast death toll rises to seven (Update Assam blast)
• Central Excise, Customs official protest in Delhi for better pay
• Ferguson's overhaul plan puts greats under scrutiny

• भारतीय क्रिकेट की मजबूत दीवार
• कंगारूओं के आगे ढेर, चीतों से कैसे मुकाबला करेंगें शेर
• Reducing greenhouse gases may not be enough to slow global warming
• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights