Question : SALE OF PLOT IN SRI LANKA

(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?

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.