COLOMBO: Environment Minister Hafiz Naseer Ahamed told India and China not to dwell on their bilateral bickerings in Sri Lankan waters which could affect a poor country like Sri Lanka
The minister was addressing the parliament on the debate on the poilicy statement of the president on Tuesday,August 8
The minister was speaking on the Sri Lankan government’s request to China to defer the visit of its space-satellite tracker ship Yuan Wang 5 at Hambantota port “until further consultations” are made between the two governments.
The spy ship was scheduled to dock at Chinese leased Hambantota port on August 11 for refueling and leave on August 17.
“ We have our own problems at home and are struggling to overcome them and facing another problem like the entry of a spy ship will be too heavy for the island nation.” Ahamed added.
He also said that Muslim political parties should join hands with the government to resolve the current economic crisis of the country. Holding meeting separately with the higher-ups will not resolve the community problems nor the nation’s problems. Like the Tamil community, he told the Muslims to be united and sincere and frank in their dealings with the government, he added.
In a separate statement, Ahamed said: “ What is the benefit of holding elections for the economic crisis in the country today? Economic strategies and plans are needed today. Economic activities that advance the country with own labor are needed today. This is why the President is asking for everyone’s cooperation. The urgent need to go to the elections is an act of confusing the mandate given by the people for five years. In 2017, it was the same minority leaders who demanded elections and dragged out the provincial councils without holding them.
