Defence pacts solely cover training, security equipment supply

The defence agreements inked with China will only cover basic aspects such as the supply of security equipment and training for military personnel, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy said yesterday.

He said the agreements were signed in the presence of Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, Justice Minister Thalatha Atukorale and Social Empowerment Minister Daya Gamage. “The signing of the pacts was not

shrouded in secrecy. China’s policy towards Sri Lanka has been consistent right throughout. We follow the same policy,” he said.

Furthermore, he scotched reports that China would deploy its intelligence services to Sri Lanka under the pretext of such defence cooperation agreements.