’Yuan Wang 5’ arrives at Hambantota port five days later than scheduled

The Chinese scientific research vessel 'Yuan Wang 5' arrived at the Hambantota port this morning five days later than scheduled, port authorities confirmed. 

The visit of the Chinese tracking vessel caused diplomatic concerns within the region after India lodged strong ‘ security concerns’  about the visit ahead of its Independence day celebrations held on yesterday (August 15).  It was originally due to arrive on August 11. 

Last Friday,  the Sri Lankan Government today granted permission for the Chinese tracking vessel Yuang Wang 5 to dock at the Hambantota Port after the Indian and US Governments failed to give "concrete reasons" for why they opposed its arrival. 

Earlier Sri Lanka requested China to defer the visit until "further consultations" were held on the matter. The vessel abruptly changed track earlier this week. However, it is now heading towards Hambantota again.

Concerns about the ship were also raised by US Ambassador Julie Chung at a meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday. She was requested to provide firm reasons for opposing its arrival.

Times Online reported exclusively last week that the same message was conveyed to Indian diplomats by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on Tuesday.  As both parties did not offer "concrete reasons", the Sri Lanka Government granted the go-ahead.

China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, who attended a ceremony held at the Hambantota International Port to mark the Yuan Wang 5’s arrival said Hambantota International Port as a key cooperation project of Belt and Road Initiative, has become an important engine to help Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and enhance its independent development capability.

He added that the visit of Yuan Wang-5 left its own marks for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact, highlighting the deep-rooted traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka.

Captain Zhang Hongwang of Yuan Wang 5 said Yuan Wang 5 is a ship on a mission of peace and friendship.  As an international port that accommodates multinational ships, Hambantota International Port will provide us with necessary ship supplies in accordance with international practice.

"We believe the ship's call at Hambantota International Port will deepen the exchange between China and Sri Lanka in the field of space science and technology and promote the common progress of the space industry of the two countries. It will also deepen the connection between China and Sri Lanka and further grow the friendship between people of both countries.” (Pix by Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi)