The JVP says Sri Lanka is facing unnecessary issues due to government’s weak diplomatic approach.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, former Parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti said the authorities should have considered all factors before granting permission to the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5 to enter the Hambantota harbour.
He said if correct decisions were taken, then the government wouldn’t have needed to request for a deferral.
Former MP Handunnetti said after strong opposition from India, a Foreign Ministry official had requested the Chinese authorities to delay the arrival of the vessel.
He said the general public is also wary over the arrival of the visit. Handunnetti noted that tensions between China and the United States have been increasing over Taiwan in recent weeks.
He said the recent visit of the US House Speaker to Taiwan has created further rift.
The former JVP MP said Sri Lanka cannot be in the middle of a war between China and the US.
Former Parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti also commented on the restructuring of loans obtained from China. He said the steps taken by the government will have a bearing on the agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
Sunil Handunnetti said Sri Lanka not only has a large debt to repay but is also depended heavily on China for trade.
He said Sri Lanka import about USD 3,300 million from China while exports amount to around USD 2,800 million.
Handunnetti said trade between China and Sri Lanka should be protected. He added that India has also played a pivotal role during the economic crisis.
Former Parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti stressed that therefore the government must work cordially with world powers at a time when Sri Lanka is dealing with a major financial crisis.
