The US government has no intention of establishing a military base in SL

Colombo (News1st): Leader of the House Lakshman Kirella today (Jan 25) said that the American government had notified him that they have no intention of establishing a military base in the Northern province of Sri Lanka. Speaking regarding this decision ITAK MP Douglas Devananda noted that it was said that discussions are underway with the American Embassy to establish an American military base in Trincomalee adding that the people of the country fear this. He claimed that such a base would be a threat to the independence and sovereignty of the country. MP Devananda stressed that a report on this should be submitted to parliament. The leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella responding to this said he clearly mentioned yesterday (Jan 24) that during every discussion the American government, had stated that they do not have any intention of establishing a military base in the Northern province. He noted that the American Embassy also issued a communique on this regard. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that as they have now made a statement on it if anyone wants this can be taken up later. He stressed that he did not speak about Trincomalee and the people who have come to speak there are those who took over the government illegally.