The Communist Party has urged the public, trade unions, and civil society organisations to unite to pressure the government to prevent India from taking over the controlling stake in the Colombo Dockyard Ltd.

The following is the text of the statement titled ‘Hands off our sovereignty: Colombo Dockyard must remain Sri Lankan’ issued by CPSL General Secretary Dr. G. Weerasinghe: “The Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL), while appreciating the historic friendly ties between India and Sri Lanka, strongly condemns the reported acquisition of a 51% controlling stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC by India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd—a company wholly owned by the Indian Ministry of Defence. This move represents not merely a commercial transaction, but a strategic encroachment on Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and maritime independence.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, a key arm of India’s military-industrial complex, is responsible for building submarines and warships for the Indian Navy. Its chairman’s declaration that “this is not just an acquisition, it is a gateway” is a chilling admission of intent: to transform Colombo Dockyard into a forward operating base for India’s geopolitical ambitions in the Indian Ocean.

Colombo Dockyard is not just another shipbuilding facility. It is a vital node in the Indian Ocean’s maritime trade routes, with proven capabilities in ship repair, construction, and offshore engineering. Its strategic location and technical expertise make it a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s maritime economy and national security, as well as a node for industrialisation.

It has experience of specialised technologies, especially the construction of fast attack craft. It ran at a considerable profit until the 2022 crisis, and it has the potential to do so again.

To allow a foreign military-linked entity to control this asset is to surrender a critical lever of our national autonomy. This is not investment—it is infiltration.

The price Mazagon Dock is paying for this acquisition, US$ 52.9 million, is a fraction of Sri Lanka’s annual budget and can be accommodated comfortably.

This acquisition must be viewed in the broader context of India’s expanding footprint in Sri Lanka:

· In July 2023, a joint statement between New Delhi and Colombo outlined plans for Indian involvement in port and logistics infrastructure in Colombo, Trincomalee, and Kankesanthurai.

· The current National People’s Power (NPP) regime, which previously condemned so-called “Chinese colonialism” has continued the policies of its predecessor, including:

· A secretive military agreement with India.

· The reported handover of Kankesanthurai Port to Indian control.

· The controversial Trincomalee “energy hub” deal.

These developments point to a systematic erosion of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty under the guise of “mutual cooperation.”

We call upon all patriotic forces, trade unions, and civil society organisations to unite in opposition to this dangerous sellout. The CPSL demands:

1. Immediate reversal of the Colombo Dockyard acquisition, with the State taking full control.

2. Full public disclosure of all agreements signed with India concerning ports, logistics, and military cooperation.

3. Legislative safeguards to prevent the sale of strategic national assets to foreign military-linked entities.

Sri Lanka must not become a pawn in the power games of regional powers. Our sovereignty is not for sale.”