Sri Lanka Puts a Stop to Foreign Research Vessels for One Year Amid Chinese Pressure and Geopolitical Balancing Act
Sri Lanka has announced a one-year moratorium on foreign research vessels, including Chinese surveillance ships, in its territorial waters to develop local research capacity and navigate geopolitical concerns.
Amid frequent docking requests from Chinese surveillance ships, Sri Lanka has announced a one-year moratorium on allowing foreign vessels to conduct research in the island nation's territorial waters. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated that the decision aims to allow for capacity development within Sri Lanka to participate in research activities as equal partners. China has regularly sought permission to berth research vessels in Sri Lanka's waters, sparking concern from neighboring India.
Sri Lanka has reportedly put a 12-month moratorium on giving permission for foreign research vessels.
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Despite objections, Chinese research vessels have conducted activities in Sri Lanka's ports, prompting the government to take action. The moratorium will go into effect in January, next year, and has been communicated to relevant countries. This decision comes as Sri Lanka prepares for elections next year and seeks to navigate geopolitical matters without antagonizing any country.
The country has also unveiled a Standard Operating Procedure for foreign military vessels and aircraft arriving in Sri Lanka, with guidelines being sent to all countries that have deployed vessels to Sri Lankan waters in the last decade. By implementing this moratorium, Sri Lanka aims to develop its own capacity for research activities while maintaining diplomatic relationships with foreign countries.
