Sri Lanka

The hi-tech vessel, Yuan Wang 5, which was to arrive originally on August 11 was delayed following concerns raised by India, the US and other countries. But on August 13, it was cleared by the Sri Lankan government after Beijing raising strong objections. China charged that India, Sri Lanka's closest neighbour which has helped the country in the wake of the ongoing economic crisis by providing nearly $4 billion in financial support, was responsible for stopping the arrival of the vessel.

The Foreign Ministry announced that it has given permission for the vessel to be docked at the port on August 16. Described as a research and survey vessel, but alleged to be a spy ship, the Chinese vessel was originally planned to reach Hambantota on August 11 but its arrival was deferred following Sri Lanka's requested to postpone the arrival indefinitely.

On Saturday, following concerns raised by India, Sri Lanka urged China to indefinitely delay the entry for the tracking and survey vessel to the south Indian Ocean island nation. In a letter written to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry said: "The Ministry wishes to request that the arrival date of the vessel Yuan Wang 5 in Hambantota to be deferred until further consultation are made on this matter."

Referring to the permission given on July 12 allowing the Chinese ship to enter the Hambantota Port, the Foreign Ministry said, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka presents its compliments to the Embassy of People's Republic of China in Colombo and has the honour to refer to the Ministry's Note No. PR/0640/2022.

"I wish to specially mention the assistance provided by India, our closest neighbour, in our efforts in economic revitalisation. The Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given us a breath of life," Wickremesinghe said delivering his maiden Presidential Policy statement in Parliament or Throne Speech opening the parliament.

The order was passed during hearing of a petition filed by former Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Chandra Jayaratne, seeking an overseas travel ban on Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa and an investigation against the individuals responsible for the current economic crisis, Colombo Gazette reported.

Sri Lanka's cabinet spokesman Bandula Gunawardena said on Tuesday at a press conference in Colombo that Rajapaksa is expected to return to the country from Singapore, the Straits Times reported on Wednesday. Rajapaksa arrived in Singapore from the Maldives on July 14, and he was issued a 14-day visit pass when he arrived at the Changi Airport.

When asked by reporters on Rajapaksa fleeing Sri Lanka, Media Minister Bandula Gunawardena refuted that the former leader was hiding in Singapore and said that he would return. "I don't agree that the former President is in hiding in Singapore because he had followed the official procedure and gone to Singapore obtaining an legitimate visa," the Minister said.

Extending warm felicitations, Wickremesinghe said in a statement: "Your appointment to this chief responsibility in one of the largest democracies is testimony to the trust and confidence the government and the people have placed in your caliber and political acumen." The Sri Lankan leader also mentioned the friendship and cooperation shared by the two neighbouring nations, as well as the support provided by New Delhi to Colombo in the wake of the ongoing economic crisis in the island nation.

SL President gave the assurance to Colombo-based diplomats while detailing the removal of the protesters who had been illegally occupied the Presidential Secretariat. He stated that both Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 14 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, which governs the rights of peaceful assembly, would be upheld by the government.