After meeting Modi, Sri Lanka's Dissanayake discusses 'maritime research' with China

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has had a hectic week as soon after wrapping up his three-day first overseas trip, after assuming office, to India, he got engaged in an intense discussion with a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) about developing partnership with China, investments and a possible resumption of maritime research.

Also, Dissanayake is soon expected to travel to China.

The Sri Lankan president, whose Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party or National People’s Power (NPP) has for long been known for its anti-India stance, was in New Delhi between December 15 and 17. Soon after his return, Dissanayake on Wednesday (December 18) met with vice-chairperson of the National Committee of the CPPCC, Qin Boyong.

‘Need for China’s support in Sri Lanka’s future’

What Dissanayake told Qin was somewhat similar to the praise he made for India after a bilateral with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

As per the Sri Lankan President office, in his meeting with Qin, Dissanayake expressed “gratitude to the Chinese government for its support during debt restructuring as well as in the face of the economic crisis".

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He also “emphasised the continued need for China’s support in the future".

Met with Ms. Qin Boyong of CPPCC today (18) and expressed gratitude to China for supporting Sri Lanka in debt restructuring and economic challenges. I look forward to strengthening ties, expediting key projects like the Central Expressway, and enhancing partnerships in Colombo… pic.twitter.com/fKd3T70Rp0

— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) December 18, 2024

There were also discussions on unfinished Chinese projects and potential investments.

Restarting maritime research activities & other projects

According to the statement by the Sri Lankan President office, Qin said that there are “plans to restart maritime research activities, which were temporarily halted for various reasons, along with initiating relevant projects".

President @anuradisanayake thanked China for its unwavering support in debt restructuring and economic recovery during a meeting with CPPCC Vice Chair Ms Qin Boyong today. They discussed strengthening bilateral ties, key infrastructure projects, and future collaborations in Sri… pic.twitter.com/6qiR7rBHwQ

— President's Media Division of Sri Lanka - PMD (@PMDNewsGov) December 18, 2024

Now, this statement holds significance for New Delhi as in recent years, it expressed concern to Colombo about allowing visits by Chinese research ships.

Also, Sri Lanka’s one-year moratorium — imposed by the island nation after concerns raised by India over Chinese research vessels docking at Sri Lankan ports — is expiring soon.

On his India visit, Dissanayake had assured PM Modi that “Sri Lanka will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability."

Chinese companies to set up business in Hambantota

Qin said that Chinese companies would set up business in the Hambantota investment zone in the vicinity of the Chinese-funded Hambantota port. Beijing clinched a 2017 deal to through a long lease of Hambantota to set up an industrial park around the port.

After India, is China the next stop for Sri Lankan President Dissanayake?

As per Qin, China has already begun preparations to welcome Dissanayake for his future visit.

The dates of Dissanayake’s possible China visit has not yet been announced.

With inputs from agencies.