As far as Hambantota port is concerned it will only be a commercial port which will trigger off much needed economic development of backward districts of Hambantota and Moneragala very soon.
Though it is being upgraded with Chinese investment it is just going to be a very modern commercial port. Even an ordinary fisherman knows the difference between a commercial port and a Naval base, for this you need not be an Admiral.
At the said port, during peace time a Chinese naval vessel can come and berth for refuelling and provisioning. Though even this activity will be frowned upon by India, in case this becomes a regular activity. However the Commercial port will not be able to provide any repair or armament facilities to any Chinese Naval base.
During war -in case war happens – then if by chance any enemy Vessel enters this port, then the IAF and the Indian Navy will simply obliterate this Port. No external naval power should have any doubt on thus score.
So when once a naive American has asked the PM of Sri Lanka “what would you do if the Chinese troops land in Hambantota”. The Prime Minister has responded saying that there is a full army division stationed at Hambantota.
The Prime Minister never mentioned that we will not be resisting any invasion. Further, no Navy in the region has the capacity to land an army division in Sri Lanka except the Indian Navy.
The Prime Minister’s office made the following clarifications with regard to a news item which appeared in Print media regarding Prime Minister’s speech made at the Dr. Saman Kelegama memorial conference held on 29.06.2018 in Colombo.
At the said conference the Prime Minister had stated that he had negotiated with Prime Minister Li and President Xi of China and then came up with a proposal which was beneficial for both parties.
Sri Lanka also informed the Chinese that Hambantota cannot be used for military purposes. The Sri Lanka Navy is moving its Southern Command to Hambantota. There is no need for any one to speculate or to be frightened as security of the port will be under the control of Sri Lanka Navy.
