BRI Likely To Be ‘Renegotiated’, China Our Friend Like India, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Tells News18
Posted on December 17th, 2024
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Sri Lanka’s new government is likely to discuss the projects under BRI with China and also talk about Beijing’s other commitments, including central highways. Additionally, there will also be talks around the lease of Hambantota Port, a proposed refinery, and other projects
The new government in Sri Lanka is likely to re-negotiate” China’s strategicBelt Road Initiative (BRI)projects in the
island nation and recalibrate” its old commitments, foreign affairs minister Vijitha Herath told News 18 on Tuesday, signalling Colombo’s intent to maintain cordial diplomatic and financial ties while fostering relationships with Beijing as well as New Delhi.
Walking the tightrope between two Asian giants—India and China—the new government in Sri Lanka is now carefully crafting a balanced foreign policy. China is our friend, just like India is,” the minister said.
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Announcing that the delegation, including Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka, and the foreign affairs minister himself, would be travelling to China in January, Herath told News 18 that the visit will focus on renegotiating key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, including the Hambantota Port deal, apart from other projects, as the new government now seeks to recalibrate its economic commitments with China amid debt pressures and geopolitical sensitivities.
Recalibrating BRI deals with China
Sri Lanka’s new government is likely to discuss the projects under BRI with China and also talk about Beijing’s other commitments, including central highways. Additionally, there will also be talks around the lease of Hambantota Port, a proposed refinery, and other projects.
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At this point, we can now confirm that during our visit to China, there are certain plans to renegotiate certain Belt and Road Initiative projects. We have a few proposals too, Herath told News 18. He was speaking on the sidelines of a reception programme organised by the India Foundation, a think tank that specialises in geopolitical relations.
Discussions will include plans for building a central highway and reviving earlier commitments, such as the construction of a convention hall in the Port City, which was previously agreed upon as a grant. We aim to move forward on these projects with renewed focus,” he added.Talking about the new government’s policy towards China, Herath said, We hope to build strong and cordial relationships not only with India but also with China, the USA, Russia, Cuba, and even North Korea. As an
island nation, it is crucial and very vital for us to engage with all countries to rebuild our country and grow. Our first state visit was to India, and next month, the President, myself, and our delegation will visit China to further strengthen ties.”
Ties with India
However, he reiterated that the new government is working on strengthening ties with India further. It is also going to announce visa-free access for 39 countries to boost tourism and seeks to have the same for Sri Lankans while travelling to India. Indians currently do not need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka.
Citizens across religious divides in Sri Lanka are eager to travel to India for several purposes, which include pilgrimage, education, and healthcare, but many, especially from underprivileged sections, cannot afford air travel. A proposal to construct a road bridge fromDhanushkodiin Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar on Mannar Island , an island off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. We need to study its feasibility,” he said.
Commenting on India’s security concerns over the foreign research vessels in Sri Lankan waters, Herath said, The current moratorium on research vessels ends in December. A special national committee has been appointed to review this and introduce a comprehensive national policy on the matter.”