The second official, at the defence ministry, also said China's request to dock this month had been rejected but that a decision on a further docking had been postponed.
The official asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.
"It might happen later," the second official told Reuters, adding that China had requested approval to use the port around May 16 "sometime back".
More than 70 percent of the trans-shipment in Colombo port comes from India.
Sri Lanka is finalising a plan to lease 80 percent of its loss-making Hambantotata port to China for 99 years, but the deal has been delayed because of opposition from trade unions.
The Sri Lankan government also wants to establish a petroleum hub with the help of India in the eastern port city of Trincomalee, where Lanka IOC, the subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, handles 15 out of 99 oil tanks.
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