Colombo port project: India hopes Sri Lanka remains `mindful` of maritime security

The project is part of China`s belt and road initiative which has been criticized by major democratic countries for causing debt crisis in countries that have partnered with Beijing for it.

New Delhi: Beijing-backed Colombo port city project has raised eyebrows in India with New Delhi hoping that Sri Lanka remains mindful of security in the maritime domain. Last month the Sri Lankan parliament approved Bills for the establishment of two SEZs - Colombo port city and Colombo port city economic commission projects.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi at virtual weekly presser said, "We expect Sri Lanka will remain mindful of our excellent bilateral cooperation, including for mutual security in our shared environment, which includes the maritime domain."

The project is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which has been criticized by major democratic countries for causing debt crisis in countries that have partnered with Beijing for it. According to Chinese state media, it is the largest project by China in Sri Lanka with a total value of the project at $ 1.4 billion.

The spokesperson said that "we have been closely following recent developments from our security perspective" when it comes to the port project pointing out that New Delhi has "noted the concerns that have been raised in Sri Lanka regarding several aspects of the framework for the Colombo Port City."

The development comes even as Sri Lanka walked out from the triparty pact with India and Japan for the development of the strategic East Container Terminal (ECT). Instead, Colombo gave the underdeveloped western container terminal inviting Indian companies.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay on Thursday met a 5 member Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation. The delegation was led by Member of Parliament R. Sampanthan.

An Indian mission release said during the meet High Commissioner "reiterated India's support for devolution within the framework of a united Sri Lanka on the basis of full implementation of the 13A" which would be in "line with Tamil aspirations for equality, justice, peace & reconciliation and would strengthen Sri Lanka."

The 13th amendment of Sri Lanka constitution is an outcome of 1987 Indo Sri Lanka accord signed between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene that aims devolution of powers to the provinces and to protect the rights of Tamil minorities in the country.

During the envoy's meet with Tamil parties, focus was also on development of the North and East of Sri Lanka and improving connectivity between the two countries in the post-Covid period. India has been involved in housing projects in that part of the country.