Foreign Ministry awaits Defence Ministry clearance for permission on research

 By Kelum Bandara   

The Foreign Ministry still awaits instructions from the Defence Ministry to decide on granting permission for the Chinese vessel “Shi Yang 6’ to carry out any research in the Sri Lankan waters, Daily Mirror learns.  
A briefing on board the research vessel was conducted yesterday for the representatives of the Sri Lanka Meteorology Department, the Ruhunu University, the Ocean University and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).  

The representatives were briefed about the research capabilities of the vessel and its facilities. Currently, the approval has been given for the vessel for refueling and replenishment of other necessities such as food supplies.  

A Foreign Ministry source said the Defence Ministry instructions are awaited to give clearance for any research in the Sri Lankan waters of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is firm that any research will be allowed in the water column but not in the sea bottom. 

• Approval has been given for the vessel for refueling and replenishment of other necessities such as food supplies