Sri Lanka Enforces 12-Month Moratorium On Foreign Research Vessels

Sri Lanka has reportedly put a 12-month moratorium on giving permission for foreign research vessels to operate in its waters, dealing a severe strategic as well as diplomatic blow to China. Per the Economic Times, the decision was made to prevent China’s research-cum-spy vessels from docking at any Lankan port.

The government is considering imposing a year-long moratorium on giving permission for foreign research vessels to carry out surveys in Sri Lanka’s waters within the exclusive economic zone, a senior minister from Sri Lanka informed The Daily Morning. The arrival of these vessels raises serious diplomatic tensions, especially given that 2024 is an election year. Because of the pressures that the administration may face, such ship trips can be extremely disruptive for the area and Sri Lanka.

Colombo on a tightrope

Per the report, China hoped to dock the marine scientific research vessel, the Xiang Yang Hong 3, in Sri Lanka’s ports by the beginning of next year.

The Sri Lankan government made the decision in light of New Delhi’s reservations. Per media reports, Colombo is avoiding any kind of appeasing or irritating any of the two Asian majors ahead of the presidential elections in 2024.

Sri Lanka is seeking capability development

Per Ali Sabry, the Foreign Minister, Sri Lanka is going to spend the next year developing its marine research abilities in order to participate in future foreign research expeditions as an equal partner.

That is for Sri Lanka to accomplish some capacity development so that they can take part in these kinds of research activities as equal partners, he said, referring to the Daily Mirror.

The presence of China in Sri Lankan waterways

Earlier this year, Sri Lanka permitted the survey and research ship from China named the Shi Yan 6 to dock and undertake operations at one of its ports.

China uses these research ships — often referred to as spy vessels in foreign media — to gather intelligence not only about crucial strategic resources in southern India as well as about mineral and ecological riches in the Gulf of Mannar.

Reference: WioNews

Sri Lanka Enforces 12-Month Moratorium On Foreign Research Vessels appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News