Sri Lanka says won't ban foreign research ships despite India's concerns
- In Reports
- 08:30 PM, Jul 08, 2024
- Myind Staff
Sri Lanka has announced plans to lift its ban on foreign research ships starting next year, a restriction initially imposed due to security concerns raised by India and the US. This decision comes after repeated requests for docking by sophisticated Chinese surveillance vessels. The Japanese media reported that Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry communicated this policy shift to NHK World Japan.
India, in particular, has voiced apprehension over the heightened presence of Chinese research vessels in the Indian Ocean, expressing concerns that these ships could potentially be used for espionage purposes. New Delhi has urged Colombo to refrain from permitting such vessels to dock at Sri Lankan ports due to these security worries.
Following concerns raised by India, Sri Lanka imposed a ban in January on foreign research vessels docking at its ports. However, earlier this year, an exception was made for a Chinese vessel, though the general ban remained in place.
According to a report by NHK World Japan on Friday, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated that his government cannot maintain different rules for different countries, singling out China. He emphasised that Sri Lanka does not wish to take sides in disputes involving other nations. Sabry indicated that the moratorium on foreign research vessels will continue until January next year. After that point, Sri Lanka intends to lift the ban, allowing foreign research ships to once again access its ports.
Two Chinese spy ships were permitted to dock at Sri Lankan ports within a span of 14 months leading up to November 2023. One ship requested replenishment while the other was there for research purposes.
In October 2023, the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 arrived in Sri Lanka and docked at Colombo port. Beijing stated that the purpose of this docking was for "geophysical scientific research," conducted in collaboration with Sri Lanka's National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). Before the arrival of the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6, the United States had conveyed its concerns to Sri Lanka. In August 2022, another Chinese navy vessel, Yuan Wang 5, docked at Hambantota in southern Sri Lanka for replenishment.
Sri Lanka, facing severe financial challenges since 2022 due to a significant shortage of foreign exchange reserves, considers both India and China as crucial partners in its efforts to manage and restructure its external debt.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry also expressed appreciation for Japan's initiative to provide a ship equipped with sonar technology. He highlighted that this vessel would enable Sri Lanka to conduct independent surveys, gather its own data, and potentially exploit its untapped maritime resources commercially. Sabry stressed the importance of conducting such research transparently. These developments underscore Sri Lanka's strategic balancing act between major powers while addressing its economic challenges and exploring its maritime potential.
Situated strategically in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka serves as a crucial hub for maritime traffic connecting South East Asia and West Asia, integral to the global trade network.
Image Source: Business. Today
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