Moratorium on foreign research vessels lifted, clearance under SOP

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

A committee chaired by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has been formed to amend the existing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for granting diplomatic clearance to foreign warships, military aircraft and research vessels in Sri Lanka.   

Minister Herath said the committee’s mandate is to develop a new SOP in the near future.   

In January, Sri Lanka imposed a year-long moratorium on foreign marine scientific research vessels operating in its waters. The moratorium has since been lifted, and diplomatic clearance for research vessels is currently being granted under the existing SOP, the Minister said.   

The Minister expressed hope that the committee will finalise the revised SOP soon, allowing research vessels to visit Sri Lanka under the updated guidelines.