Sri Lanka Announces One-Year Moratorium on Foreign Research Vessels Amid Geopolitical Strains

Colombo, Sri lanka

The Sri Lankan government, addressing geopolitical tensions, has declared a one-year moratorium on permitting foreign research vessels in its territorial waters. This decision, which has been communicated to concerned nations, comes after China’s request to dock another research vessel in Sri Lanka in January of the upcoming year.

In October, the Chinese Survey and Research Vessel Shi Yan 6 had moored at Colombo’s port, conducting research activities in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), despite India’s objections. These activities focused on the water column of the Indian Ocean.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, in a statement to Daily Mirror, announced that the moratorium, applicable to research vessels from any country, will commence in January. This pause is intended to enhance Sri Lanka’s capacity, enabling it to partake in such research endeavors as an equal partner.

With national elections approaching next year, Sri Lanka is keen on managing its international relations delicately, especially on issues with significant geopolitical implications.

Additionally, Sri Lanka has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for foreign military vessels and aircraft entering the country. The minister revealed that these SOP guidelines have been distributed to all countries that have sent their vessels to Sri Lankan waters in the past decade.