Colombo: In a surprising policy twist, Sri Lanka has opted to allow foreign offshore ‘research ships’ to dock for replenishment, just days after enforcing a ban on Chinese vessels.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Niluka Kadurugamuwa, clarified that the ban pertains to Chinese ships and not to vessels requiring replenishment for research purposes. He cited the recent case of a German research ship that was permitted to anchor in Sri Lankan waters for replenishment, as reported by the Economy Next portal.
“The ban on foreign ships is for research purposes, not on replenishment.” – Niluka Kadurugamuwa
However, this decision has drawn criticism from China, which has accused Sri Lanka of double standards. The move came after Sri Lanka rejected Beijing’s request to allow a Chinese research vessel to dock in its ports.
Sri Lanka is currently in the process of formulating a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) for handling foreign research vessels, indicating a potential shift in its maritime policies.
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Why Did Sri Lanka Impose the Ban on Chinese Vessels?
The ban on Chinese vessels entering Sri Lankan waters for one year was announced in January, following a request from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Ranil Wickremesinghe during their July 2023 meeting. The decision was prompted by India and the US expressing security concerns over Sri Lanka’s engagement with Chinese vessels.
Chinese Ships in Sri Lanka: A Point of Contention
Sri Lanka’s decision to bar Chinese vessels followed instances where two Chinese spy ships were allowed to dock in its ports within a 14-month period up to November 2023. One ship was reportedly engaged in replenishment activities, while the other was involved in research.
In October 2023, the Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6 docked at Colombo port for geophysical scientific research in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). Additionally, in August 2022, the Chinese navy vessel Yuan Wang 5 docked at Hambantota for replenishment purposes.
