Yesterday (16), the Chinese Yuan Wang 5 vessel docked at Hambantota Port, with a welcome ceremony attended by prominent MPs. The docking of the vessel is a “normal exchange” between China and Sri Lanka, according to Qi Zhenhong, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka. This is not the first time a vessel of this type has visited Sri Lanka,” Zhenhong added.
According to China’s Vice Premier Zhengong, Hambantota Port is a symbol of friendship and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka. Dr. Sarath Weerasekera, Wimal Weerawansa, and Vasudeva Nanayakkara, all from Sri Lanka, were also present at the ceremony.
According to Hambantota Port Master Capt. Nirmal Silva, permission has been granted for the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5 to dock in Hambantota for replenishment purposes. Later, China called India’s opposition to the visit “morally irresponsible and unjustified,” adding that Sri Lanka is a sovereign country with the right to develop relations with other countries based on its development interests.
