Sri Lanka to Formulate National Policy on Foreign Research Vessels

Herath’s statement follows the recent visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. In January, PTI reported.

Sri Lanka imposed a one-year moratorium on foreign marine scientific research survey vessels operating in its waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), following security concerns raised by India and the United States over the frequent docking of high-tech Chinese surveillance vessels.

While the moratorium remains in effect, Herath assured that it would be reviewed appropriately. The issue gained attention after Dissanayake's meeting with a senior Chinese official, who expressed China's desire for the resumption of visits by Chinese research ships to Colombo.

Regarding India’s concerns, Herath emphasized that these were based on national and regional security threats. “We assured that we will not allow any actions that threaten India’s security concerns through the use of our land,” he said.

Herath further highlighted the success of Dissanayake's visit to India, noting that it had strengthened Sri Lanka-India relations without finalizing any major agreements. While two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on training Sri Lankan public service officials and preventing dual taxation, the talks regarding the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) are still ongoing, with no final agreements made.

Minister Herath also dismissed claims that Dissanayake had finalized an agreement for a direct fuel pipeline or a security pact with India. He reiterated that Sri Lanka was focused on promoting trade and investment between the two nations.

The formulation of a national policy on foreign research vessels is expected to address both Sri Lanka’s economic interests and the security concerns of regional powers.