

Amid PM Modi's Visit, Sri Lanka Rejects China Request to Dock Submarine
The second official, at the defence ministry, also said China's request to dock this month had been rejected but that a decision on a further docking had been postponed.
A source close to the Chinese embassy told Reuters that China had requested permission for the submarine visit but was still awaiting a response.
Colombo: Sri Lanka has rejected China's request to dock one of its submarines in Colombo this month, two senior Lankan government officials said on Thursday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the island nation.
ALSO READ | 'Take India Seriously, It's Becoming China 2.0': New Warning for Beijing
Sri Lanka last allowed a Chinese submarine to dock in the capital of Colombo in October 2014, a move that triggered fierce opposition from India, which worries about growing Chinese activity in a country it has long viewed as part of its area of influence.
ALSO READ | Rajapaksa Calls on PM Narendra Modi, Hails India-Lanka Ties
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday for a two-day official visit.
The official asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.
The second official, at the defence ministry, also said China's request to dock this month had been rejected but that a decision on a further docking had been postponed.
ALSO READ | China Indicates Plans to Meddle in Kashmir 'to Protect Investments'
"It might happen later," the second official told Reuters, adding that China had requested approval to use the port around May 16 "sometime back".
A source close to the Chinese embassy in Colombo confirmed that China had requested permission for the submarine visit but was still awaiting a response.
More than 70 percent of the trans-shipment in Colombo port comes from India.
Sri Lanka is finalising a plan to lease 80 percent of its loss-making Hambantotata port to China for 99 years, but the deal has been delayed because of opposition from trade unions.
The Sri Lankan government also wants to establish a petroleum hub with the help of India in the eastern port city of Trincomalee, where Lanka IOC, the subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, handles 15 out of 99 oil tanks.
A 1987 accord between India and Sri Lanka provides that their territories not be used for activities deemed prejudicial to each other's unity, integrity and security.
Also Watch
Interview: Virat Kohli at the Launch of the Audi RS5
Wednesday 18 April , 2018
Karnataka Election 2018: The Good, The Bad and The Tainted Candidates
Wednesday 18 April , 2018
The Rape and Murder Of A Young Girl Has Shocked Pakistan
Tuesday 17 April , 2018
Mahesh Manjrekar Up & Close | Talks About Hosting Bigg Boss Marathi
Tuesday 17 April , 2018
Commonwealth 2018: A Look Back at India’s Journey in Gold Coast





Recommended For You
Badumbaaa: Big B, Rishi Kapoor Turn Singers To Take You On A Jolly Ride In 102 Not Out First Song
Jacqueline Fernandez Thinks These Two Stars Are The Fittest Actors In Bollywood
Throwback Thursday: When Aishwarya Rai's Response To 'If She Still Lives With Her Parents' Won Hearts
India Loses USD 22 Billion a Year in Peak Traffic Hours in 4 Indian Cities: Uber
Indian Cricketer Hardik Pandya Buys Audi A6 Luxury Sedan Worth Rs 65 Lakh