SJB cries foul over India’s ‘demand’ for strategic assets here

India has asked for the ownership of several key strategic places in Sri Lanka in return for the assistance it has extended in recent times, the SJB says.

Addressing the media at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo on Tuesday, Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella said that the motive behind India’s help in recent months was now clear.

“India has asked for several projects in Sri Lanka including the laying of a high-powered electricity cable between the two countries, two zones in the Mannar Basin for oil exploration, and the lands surrounding Trincomalee Harbour to be developed as an industrial zone. So, there is a plan to get hold of strategic places in this country. We as a nation in crisis are thankful to India for coming forward to assist us by supplying food, medicine and fuel. Yet, now it is clear that their real objective is to acquire strategically important places in this country. India taking hold of the lands surrounding the Trincomalee harbour poses a serious security threat to this country because that will enable them to control the harbour. Hambantota Port has been given to China. Lands of Colombo Port are given to China and India.”

Kurunegala District SJB MP Nalin Bandara also addressed the press.