Shamindra Ferdinando reporting from London

President Maithripala Sirisena has assured Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy during crucial talks with British Defence Minister Michael Fallon in London yesterday (March 9).

President Maithripala Sirisena explained Sri Lanka’s long standing relationship with China and its current status. Bilateral talks took place at London Hilton on Park Lane on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Day celebrations in London.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Rehabilitation Minister D.M. Swaminathan joined President Sirisena at the discussion.

A spokesperson for the President quoted him as having told UK Defence Minister that China was Sri Lanka’s friend. The President also mentioned about Chinese support for Sri Lanka’s development.

Referring to Chinese naval build-up in the region as well as UK’s own relationship with the People’s Republic of China, Fallon pointed out to Sri Lanka’s military links to China.

Throughout the war, China remained one of the most important military suppliers, with the Sri Lankan military depending on Chinese transport aircraft, heavy gun boats and a range of artillery pieces among other equipment.

The President emphasized that Sri Lanka was determined to handle its foreign policy in a way not inimical to anyone.

Commenting on a query raised by Fallon as regards his recent visit to New Delhi last month, President reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to non-aligned foreign policy. The President emphasized that Sri Lanka was ready to work with all. When the British minister raised another query regarding growing Chinese interest in the region, President Maithripala Sirisena referred to Chinese support for development. The President asserted that Sri Lanka was taking a middle-path in its relationship with China.

Responding to British query whether Sri Lanka could deploy her troops on UN missions, President pointed out that Sri Lankan forces had been already deployed in the Caribbean island of Haiti. The President said that more troops could be made available for UN missions, while adding that the Air Force, too, had deployed both helicopters and personnel overseas under UN command. Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera explained Sri Lanka’s role in UN military missions initiated during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure as the Prime Minister (2001-2004 period).

Fallon asserted that the military could take up new tasks in the backdrop of de-militarization of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

At the onset of the discussion, President Maithripala Sirisena said that ethnic issues remained a serious impediment to national reconciliation even five years after the end of the conflict. The President assured that it would be his responsibility as well as of the new government to take remedial measures.

The President said that he expected UK support both domestically as well as international in matters especially relating to the Geneva-based UNHRC.

Courtesy:The Island