Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) MP Jeevan Thondaman has called on the government to be mindful of recognizing and respecting the sentiments and security concerns of India over the visit of a Chinese research vessel to Sri Lanka.

On Monday, Sri Lanka confirmed that it has communicated to China to defer the visit of the Chinese vessel Yuang Wang 5 to Hambantota port.

India had earlier expressed its security concerns over the docking of the vessel at Hambantota as it was shown as a research vessel while the spy ship can map the ocean bed which is critical to anti-submarine operations of the Chinese Navy.

Commenting on India’s concerns, CWC General Secretary Jeevan Thondaman called on the government to respect India’s concerns as Sri Lanka has benefited the most due to India’s neighbourhood first policy.

Thondaman pointed out India had provided financial assistance of nearly 4 billion USD without any expectations or conditions given Sri Lanka’s current economic situation.

“Also, it should be noted that India had supported us during the IMF discussions which gave us much-needed credibility,” he further said.

MP Thondaman revealed that he believes, India is justified in having concerns on the issue as it could be deemed as a potential threat.

“Given the refreshing turn in Indo-Lankan ties, it should be understood that this is not a mere coincidence but rather, an act to potentially destabilize our relationship with our neighbour, thereby disrupting trade and socio-economic activities in this region,” he added. (NewsWire)