Defense News ,Sri Lanka :-
In a recent development, Sri Lanka has decided to impose a one-year
moratorium on allowing foreign vessels to conduct research in its
territorial waters, according to statements by Foreign Minister Ali
Sabry. This decision comes amidst a surge in docking requests from
Chinese surveillance ships, raising concerns in New Delhi about
potential espionage activities targeting Indian defense installations.
Sabry
conveyed that the Sri Lankan government has communicated this decision
to relevant countries, citing the need for capacity development to
ensure the nation active and equal participation in future research
activities. The move comes in response to China request to berth another
research vessel in Sri Lanka waters in January next year.
China
has regularly dispatched research and surveillance vessels to Sri
Lanka, with instances such as the arrival of the Chinese People
Liberation Army Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO in August this year.
Notably, the Chinese Survey and Research Vessel "Shi Yan 6" docked at
Colombo port in October, conducting research activities in the Indian
Ocean despite objections from India.
Past incidents, such as the
port call of the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship
"Yuan Wang 5" in Hambantota, have triggered strong reactions from India
due to concerns about sophisticated tracking systems potentially
compromising Indian defense installations.
Sabry emphasized that
the 12-month moratorium is aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka capacity for
meaningful participation in research endeavors. The government is also
navigating geopolitical considerations, especially with upcoming
elections, to maintain diplomatic ties without antagonizing any specific
country.
In addition to the moratorium, Sri Lanka has developed a
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for foreign military vessels and
aircraft arriving in the country. Sabry highlighted that the guidelines
under the SOP have been shared with all countries deploying their
vessels to Sri Lankan waters over the past decade, ensuring a
standardized approach in such interactions.
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