Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is aware of the Chinese plan to modernize the Colombo port;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the other ports or facilities in Sri Lanka likely to be undertaken for modernisation purpose by China;

(d) whether the Government of India has expressed its concerns to the Government of Sri Lanka towards the growing presence of China in Sri Lanka; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Sri Lanka Government thereto?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) Yes. Government has seen media reports that a Chinese company has won the contract and signed a Letter of Intent with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for construction of the Colombo South Container Terminal.

(c) to (e) Government is aware of China’s enhanced economic and technological capabilities in execution of infrastructure projects in developing countries. Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.

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