President states that there is no agreement to provide China access to Sri Lankan ports for defense purposes

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - In an interview with NHK World, President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed concerns over leasing the Hambantota Port to China. The President is currently on an official visit to Japan. Speaking to the media President Sirisena stated that they forge agreements after paying due regard to all concerns such as not threatening another country regionally or internationally in any manner or exerting pressure on areas of security. Further, he stated there is no allowance under the agreement they signed for Chinese to use Sri Lanka's ports for military defense purposes. “We will not agree to such a thing with anyone. The public has given us the responsibility for the benefit of the country.” - Head of State Hed of State further elaborated that as a Government he wants to meet his responsibilities with a national and international program of work and that he is not concerned about other political situations and external factors. President Maithripala Sirisena was granted an imperial audience with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Tokyo Imperial Palace today (March 13). The President expressed his wish to strengthen the centuries-old relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan. The Japanese Emperor's visit to Sri Lanka in 1981 and the welcome extended by the people of the country was recalled at this meeting. Following which the Emperor and the President toured the Tokyo Imperial Palace and attended an investment forum in Tokyo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wSFc21DE-w