Sri Lanka's Concerns Over Chinese Ships and Fonseka's Candidacy
Former Sri Lankan Army Chief, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, has expressed concerns over Chinese surveillance ships in the Indian Ocean, particularly in Sri Lankan waters. He acknowledges India and the US's concerns, emphasizing the need to prioritize neighboring countries' security, especially India.
Fonseka disapproves of any military presence in Sri Lanka's territory and stresses the close relationship with India, highlighting the need to address their security concerns. He describes the Chinese ships' presence as "unwarranted" and assures that he would prevent such incidents if held responsible.
Fonseka also announced his candidacy for the upcoming Sri Lankan presidential election. He cites his experience in ending terrorism as motivation, criticizing the government's handling of the war effort due to administrative issues, lack of soldier facilities, and corruption.
He pledges to address corruption and nepotism, ensure development, and guide the people, stating that he sees no other leader with a similar vision.
Earlier, a Chinese ship was permitted to dock for replenishment at Colombo's port in October 2022. However, permission was granted only for replenishment, not research, due to India's concerns. In January 2023, Sri Lanka declared a yearlong moratorium on foreign research ships entering its waters.