China in Sri Lanka, News

US envoy and Defense Attach? visit China funded Hambantota port

07 Mar, 2019

A delegation headed by US Ambassador to Sri Lanka & Maldives, Alaina B. Teplitz, visited the Hambantota International Port, the port said in a statement today.

The US and India have raised concerns over the port alleging it will be used for military purposes, an allegation China has consistently denied.

The visit was a part of the US Government?s mission to meet senior Government and private sector officials, to discuss investment opportunities in Sri Lanka as well as to tour key economic development projects.

The Ambassador was accompanied by U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer, David McGuire and Senior Defense Officer/Defense Attach?, Lt. Colonel Douglas Hess.

COO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), Tissa Wickremasinghe, met with the three member delegation, along with Rear Admiral (Retd) Jayantha de Silva, Head of Security, Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS).

The US delegation was briefed on the port?s facilities, while the COO explained the development status and future planning of the Port to Ambassador Teplitz.

The port, situated along key shipping routes, is one of a string of infrastructure projects in Asia, Africa and Europe being funded under China?s Belt and Road Initiative that has rattled the US and its allies, including neighbouring India.

Last year US Vice-President Mike Pence said Hambantota ?may soon become a forward military base for China?s growing blue-water navy.?

(Colombo Gazette)

Recommended For You

Feature Image

US Navy begins military exercise in China managed Hambantota Port

The US Navy today began a military exercise at the Hambantota Port which is managed by China. Commander, Task Force 73 announced the beginning of the 25th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of partner nations. CARAT, the U.S. Navy’s oldest and longest continually-running regional exercise in South Asia and Southeast Asia, strengthens partnerships between regional navies and enhances maritime sec

19 Apr, 2019

Feature Image

China defends Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect human rights

China has defended Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect human rights in the country and called on the international community to support the domestic process in Sri Lanka. The Chinese delegation attending the 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva said that China recognises the efforts taken by Sri Lanka to promote human rights. China also took note of the measures taken by Sri Lanka to improve the economy and eliminate poverty. The Chinese delegation said that Sri Lanka has also tak

21 Mar, 2019

Feature Image

China and Sri Lanka sign loan agreement for Central Expressway

China and Sri Lanka today signed a concessional loan agreement of US$ 989 million for Central Expressway Project – Section I, covering 85% of the total contract price. The agreement was signed between the Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan, on behalf of the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China, and Dr. R.H.S Samarathunga, Secretary to the Treasure, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government. The Central Expressway Project (CEP) connecting Colombo and Kandy, will be p

22 Mar, 2019