INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the request for the Chinese ballistic missile- and satellite-tracking vessel Yuan Wang 5 to call at
Hambantota Port for replenishments, which was deferred earlier, has now been granted.The ship was scheduled to dock at Hambantota Port from
August 11-17, however, the Sri Lankan government sought deferment, citing further consultations on the matter.However, the Foreign Ministry
today (Aug 13), having considered all material in place, conveyed to the Embassy of China in Colombo that clearance is granted for the entry
of the much-disputed Chinese vessel.In a press release, the ministry reiterated that security and cooperation in the region is of utmost
ministry said it deeply appreciates the support, solidarity and understanding of all countries, especially in the current juncture when the
island nation is in the process of addressing severe economic challenges and engaging in multiple domestic processes to ensure the welfare
of the Sri Lankan people.According to the ministry, on June 28, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo had informed via diplomatic note that the
Chinese Scientific research ship yuan Wang 5 was scheduled to pay a port call in Hambantota from August 11-17 for replenishment
(TRCSL).Following receipt on July 07 of security clearance from the Defence Ministry for the visit of the 730-foot-long ship during the
stipulated period, as well as a No Objection Letter from the TRCSL for the use of frequencies and communication equipment subject to
raised within the Foreign Ministry, the Sri Lankan government requested the Chinese Embassy on August 05, via diplomatic note, to defer the
strong concerns on the matter and said it carefully monitors any developments having a bearing on its security and economic interests, and
the matter in a spirit of friendship, mutual trust and constructive dialogue, taking into account the interests of all parties concerned and
in line with the principles of sovereign equality of states, the Foreign Ministry added.On August 12, the Chinese Embassy informed the Sri
Lankan Foreign Ministry that Yuan Wang 5 was scheduled to arrive at the Hambantota Port on August 16, and applied for clearance for
countries, while noting that security and cooperation in the neighbourhood is of utmost priority.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://adaderana.lk
