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Sri Lanka needs no pacts to promote goodwill with India:Peiris

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Press Trust of India Colombo
Sri Lanka today said it will not act in any prejudicial manner against India's interests so that no agreements are needed to maintain its goodwill with its neighbour.

"We will not let our country used by anybody to act against security and safety of India," External Affairs Minister GL Peiris told Lankan Parliament today.

Peiris was responding to a query raised by main opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

He sought explnation over reports that China National Aero-Technology Import-Export Corporation (CATIC) has been permitted to establish an Aircraft Base Maintenance Centre in the eastern port district of Trincomalee.

Wickremesinghe said Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had raised the issue with Peiris in New Delhi.
 

"Hon Madam Swaraj made inquiries on the issue but they were all friendly queries," Peiris said.

Peiris accused Wickremesinghe of trying to fish in troubled waters.

"There will not be a problem with India over this," Peiris said, adding, Sri Lanka was far from making a firm decision on making Trincomalee the location for the facility which is going to be built at a cost of 40 million dollars.

"We have considered some options but there is no decision about Trincomalee," Peiris said.

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First Published: Jul 22 2014 | 9:22 PM IST

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