Q. 4500 SALE OF PLOT IN SRI LANKA

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is aware of Sri Lanka’s decision to sell a plot of land which was promised to the Indian High Commission, to a Chinese State-owned

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken up the matter with the Sri Lanka Government;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the response of the Sri Lankan Government thereto;

(e) whether the Government has expressed concerns to Sri Lanka Government over growing presence of China in Sri Lanka; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the response of Sri Lankan Government thereon?
ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) to (d) Government had proposed to acquire a plot of land in Colombo for the establishment of an Indian Cultural Centre from a private entity, M/s Shaw Wallace & Hedges, and in this context, had approached the Government of Sri Lanka for obtaining necessary clearances. In the interim, it is understood that M/s Shaw Wallace & Hedges found another prospective investor. The Government of Sri Lanka has offered to assist the High Commission of India in acquiring a government property to locate the Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo.

(e) & (f) India enjoys close, cordial and friendly relations with Sri Lanka with whom it shares historical, civilisational and cultural links. The Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on national interest and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.

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