The land may divide us, but the sky and the ocean unites us all: Wimal at the welcome ceremony for Yuan Wang 5

COLOMBO (News 1st); Although this land belongs to Sri Lanka, the sky and the ocean unites us all, said the Leader of the National Freedom Front, Wimal Weerawansa at the  welcome ceremony was organized at the Hambantota Port on Tuesday (16) morning, under the auspices of the Chinse Ambassador to Sri Lanka.

MP Weerawansa, speaking further, said that there is an area of ocean and the skies which belongs to Sri Lanka, and as a state, bears responsibility for that area. 

"The Indian Ocean Region must remain as Region of Peace. There can be NO conflict. It cannot be home to enemy camps. Even if we are strong or weak economically, we need to maintain the stance," he said.

The MP further stated that although some call the vessel a Spy-Ship, it should be called a communication vessel. 

"China has never told us what the structure of our Government  should be. China has never established NGOs in Sri Lanka, and funded them to destabilize the Government. Therefore, China is one of the few countries that extended assistance to Sri Lanka during these tough times. We hope China would help us more," he said.

Speaking at the event, the Democratic Left Front Leader, Vasudeva Nanayakkara said that the presense of Yuan Wang 5 vessel itself is a symbol of the independence and sovereign power of Sri Lanka. 

An unnecessary controversy was raised about the arrival of the vessel, the MP said, adding that it was a machination of the western powers headed by the U.S.

"However the rightious decision prevailed, as Sri Lanka is glad we are to be able to have Yuan Wang 5 here in this port which contributes to the significance of this port and to the future importance of this port. We hope the long lasting friendship cannot be torpedoed by any kind of machinations of imperialism. We trust we will be able to keep our bonds firm and unbreakable and ensure the peace in the Indian Ocean and the freedom in the Indian Ocean" MP Nanayakkara mentioned.

Rear Admiral (Retd) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara, also speaking at the welcome ceremony said that the resolution of the issue with regard to the vessel further strengthens the relations between China and Sri Lanka, and visits such as these also strengthens the friendship between the countries.