Amid concerns over the arrival of Chinese ship ‘Yuan Wang 5’ to Sri Lanka, the country’s Tourism Minister Harin Fernado said, in Ahmedabad, on August 20, that he hoped it would not cause a major diplomatic row as India understands its situation. The Minister is in Ahmedabad to promote tourism in the island nation.
Mr. Fernado said China has made a lot of investment in Sri Lanka and has been "understanding its requirements in the past." Indian authorities have expressed worries about the ship's snooping capability.
“Sri Lanka is a small country and Sri Lanka has very good friendship with everyone. I am sure India understands that. We have a very good diplomatic relationship with India,” the visiting Minister said, replying to a question. Indian authorities consider the vessel to be a ‘dual-use spy ship’.
