ASIATODAY.ID, TOKYO – Sri Lanka authorities do not intend to extend the one-year moratorium imposed on January 1 2024 for foreign research vessels entering its maritime territory, Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Ali Sabry told NHK, Saturday,
In January 2024, Colombo imposed a one-year moratorium on foreign research vessels entering its territorial waters following a number of Chinese research vessels attempting to enter Sri Lankan territorial waters.
It is believed that the equipment carried by the Chinese scientific ship will be used not only for maritime research needs, but also for seabed exploration for future Chinese naval operations in the Indian Ocean. However, in March, Sri Lanka authorities allowed a German research vessel to dock at Colombo port.
“We can’t have different rules for different countries. We can’t just ban China. We won’t do that. We won’t take sides,” Sri Lanka’s foreign minister said.
Sri Lanka has maritime resources, therefore marine research is an important element, Sabry added.
“Therefore we believe that we should increase their transparency and allow (the ships) to enter,” said the senior Sri Lanka diplomat.
He also thanked Japan for its intention to provide ships equipped with sonar to make nautical charts for Sri Lanka. (Sputnik/AT Network)