USA not allowed to build bases in SL Min. Wijeywardena affirms

Non-cabinet Media Minister and State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardena affirm that Sri Lanka will not sign deals with America to allow them to build bases in the country.

In a statement, the Minister further added that not just the United States, but any other country for that matter would not be allowed to set up military bases in Sri Lanka.

President Maithripala Sirisena told journalists last week that he was opposing the renewal of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the United States.

However, Government ministers had told parliament that the agreement will be renewed with some clauses such as those giving immunity to visiting forces removed.

Wijeywardena iterated that if such an agreement was to be signed, it will be signed by the President as the Defence Minister or by the Defence Minister under instructions from the President.