No Threat to Sovereignty in India Security Agreement

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, clarified the nature of the security agreement signed between Sri Lanka and India during Tuesday's (8) parliamentary session. 

Herath emphasized that the agreement is a Memorandum Of Understanding on defense cooperation between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of India, rather than a formal defense pact. 

"This is an understanding on defense cooperation, not a defense agreement. It clearly states that any cooperative activities under this agreement must respect the sovereignty, equality, and territorial integrity of both nations, and must not interfere in internal affairs," Herath explained.

The agreement includes provisions for joint training exercises, information sharing on human trafficking and drug mafias, and other cooperative programs. "We have agreed to move forward with training exercises and cooperative programs, as well as sharing information on human trafficking and drug mafias. However, we have not agreed to any other defense commitments with India," he added.

Herath assured that Sri Lanka's territory would not be used in a manner that threatens India's security, and this assurance has also been extended to China. "We have clearly stated to both India and China that Sri Lanka's territory will not be used for activities that threaten their security. This is a policy we uphold," he said.

The Minister also emphasized that the agreement does not pose any threat to Sri Lanka's security or sovereignty. "We assure the people that this understanding does not compromise our security or sovereignty. It is not a binding commitment," he stated.

Herath reiterated that the details of the agreement are accessible to the public under the Right to Information Act. "This is not a secret agreement. The public can request information under the Right to Information Act," he assured.

The National People's Power (NPP) party, which has fought for the country's territorial integrity and independence, guarantees that no country can buy or subjugate Sri Lanka. "We assure the people that no country can buy or subjugate us. We are committed to protecting our sovereignty," Herath said.