Wednesday, Sep 19 2018 | Time 00:39 Hrs(IST)
image
  • Canada's Trudeau under growing pressure to get NAFTA deal done
  • Trump says Poland's Duda agreed to enhance military, intelligence relations
  • War crimes prosecutor begins examining alleged Rohingya deportations
  • Palestinians say Israeli troops fire on Gaza protesters killing two
WorldPosted at: Aug 22 2018 4:32PM Share

Sri Lanka will not allow China military use of Hambantota port

Colombo, Aug 22 (UNI) Sri Lanka will not allow China to only use the Hambantota port for military purposes, Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene has said.
The Hambantota port in southern Sri Lanka is located in the world's busiest East-West shipping route and gives China a foothold in a region long dominated by India.
Sri Lanka last year to allowed a Chinese company to operate the port under a 99-year lease. The government said it was forced to lease the port for $1.1 billion because it could not service loans from Beijing to build the facility agreed by former president Mahinda Rajapakse.
Wijewardene met visiting Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera here on Tuesday and he said
the port should be open to all countries to ensure freedom of navigation.
Wijewardene said his country will not permit China to use the port for military purposes only.
Japan's NHK television reported.
Onodera is the first Japanese defence minister to visit Sri Lanka.
He also met President Maithripala Sirisena, who thanked him for donating two coast guard patrol craft, the president's office said in a statement.
On Wednesday, Onodera met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Wijewardardene was present during the meeting.
Onodora later told Japan's NHK television he had discussed the Hambantota issue with Sri Lanka and that there was an agreement that port remains free of military activities, despite the lease.
Japan has pledged to help strengthen Sri Lanka's maritime security, and Onodera would visit Hambantota and Trincomalee, a natural harbour.
UNI SRJ
More News
Aspirin not effective against cancer, heart ailments: Study

Aspirin not effective against cancer, heart ailments: Study

18 Sep 2018 | 8:33 PM

Washington/Canberra, Sep 18 (UNI) Aspirin, the humble, round, white tablet, accredited with aiding healthy lifestyle and warding off fatal diseases like cancer and heart-related issues, has failed to impress the researchers, who found that daily low-dose of aspirin in healthy older adults, does not prolong a healthy, independent living (life free of dementia or persistent physical disability).

 Sharesee more..

US refugee cap: UNHCR to 'keep away' from policy matters

18 Sep 2018 | 8:20 PM

Geneva, Sep 18 (UNI) The UN refugee agency UNHCR on Tuesday refused to comment on US President Donald Trump's proposed cut in refugee resettlement places, saying it was up to the United States to decide on its policy.

 Sharesee more..

Imran for citizenship to Bengali kids born in Pakistan

18 Sep 2018 | 4:53 PM

Islamabad, Sep 18 (UNI) Pakistan Premiere Imran Khan on Tuesday tabled a proposal before the Assembly, seeking recommendations from the Parliamentarians over granting citizenship to all Bengali and Afghan children born in Pakistan.

 Sharesee more..

1 child dies in world, in every 5 seconds: UN report

18 Sep 2018 | 4:02 PM

Geneva, Sep 18 (UNI) Around 6.

 Sharesee more..

Violence witnessed in teen years, likely to surface as trauma later

18 Sep 2018 | 3:57 PM

Ottawa, Sep 18 (UNI) Researchers from Canada have warned that students who witness violence at the age of 13 years in school, are at a greater risk of psycho-social and academic impairment at 15.

 Sharesee more..
image