NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Sri Lanka would not permit its territory to be used in any manner harmful to India’s interests. The statement comes amid growing Chinese influence in the region, particularly through the strategic Hambantota Port.
During discussions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Dissanayake emphasized strengthening bilateral ties, stating, “I have given assurance to Prime Minister Modi that we will not allow our land to be used in any way detrimental to the interest of India. The cooperation with India will certainly flourish, and I want to reassure our continued support for India.”
The visit marks Dissanayake’s first official foreign trip since taking office in September, highlighting India’s significance in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy. He expressed gratitude to India for its support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, particularly in debt restructuring efforts.
“We faced an unprecedented economic crisis two years ago, and India supported us immensely to overcome it. Prime Minister Modi also assured us full support and protection of Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Dissanayake added.
The assurances come amid India’s concerns over China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean region. Following Sri Lanka’s debt struggles, China secured a 99-year lease on the Hambantota Port, where Chinese surveillance and missile-tracking vessels like the Yuan Wang 5 have docked, raising alarms in New Delhi.
India initially opposed Chinese naval activity in August 2022, but Sri Lanka eventually permitted Chinese vessels to dock for “replenishment.” The $1.7 billion Hambantota Port project underscores China’s expanding influence after Sri Lanka defaulted on loan repayments.
The three-day visit by President Dissanayake underscores a renewed commitment to India-Sri Lanka relations, with both nations pledging enhanced cooperation across economic and strategic fronts.