COLOMBO: Discussions between Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Chinese Defence Minister Gen Chang Wanquan have indicated possible defence-related pacts between the two countries.

Following his meeting with the Chinese minister, President Sirisena said that agreements to be reached with China would ‘not do any harm’ to the independence of the country.

He said that China and Sri Lanka would sign new agreements, including military trainings for security forces by China.

President Sirisena, who is also the defence minister of the country, said those agreements would not do any harm to the pride, independence and national security.

He expressed his trust over China’s continuous provision of required training for the security forces.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2017