Sri Lanka’s government has granted permission today (Saturday) for a controversial Chinese research vessel , Yuan Wang 5 to enter in to the island Indian media reports . Hindustan Times says that despite neighbouring India’s concerns that it could spy on New Delhi’s military installations, according to Indian officials.
According to the reports The Yuan Wang 5 was originally due to call at Sri Lanka’s Chinese-run Hambantota port on August 11 . It was scheduled to stay till 17th August for replenishment purposes. However considering the concerns raised by India, Sri Lanka requested the Chinese governmet to defer the entry of the vessel owned by Chinese PLA until further consultations receive.
But Sri Lanka’s harbour master, Nirmal P Silva has said that he had received foreign ministry clearance for the ship to call at Hambantota from August 16 to 22.