Sri Lanka's new President Maithripala Sirisena said some countries are attempting to "rule" the country, through attempts at signing various economic deals, Colombo Gazette reports.
Mr Sirisena noted that Sri Lanka has always played it safe since it gained independence in 1948 and will not allow itself to be ruled by a foreign country again, adding the country should be mindful of such attempts.
The president said major countries now take control of smaller ones through bilateral agreements, including development assistance, defence deals and trade and economic agreements.
“They use new strategies to take over small countries which are developing,” he said, adding the government is selective in the assistance it accepts.