Foreign Ministry in dilemma, but NARA insistent on joint research

21 August 2023 10:01 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 18 Bookmark

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The Foreign Ministry is in a dilemma over the granting of approval to Chinese research vessel SHI YAN 6 (IMO: 9904247) expected to arrive in Sri Lanka for marine research activities in October since India, China’s geopolitical rival is skeptical about its activities in Sri Lankan waters, Daily Mirror learns.

It is a Research/Survey Vessel and is sailing under the flag of China. Its carrying capacity is 1115 DWT, current draught is reported to be 5.3 meters length overall of 90.6 meters and a width of 17 meters.

It is expected to undertake research jointly with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency ( NARA).

The Chinese authorities have sought permission for it , but the Foreign Ministry is yet to decide on it . it is now contemplating how to navigate geopolitical rivalry of the two powers.

Daily Mirror learns that NARA is keen to undertake collaborative research aboard the vessel and insistent that it should be allowed into the country .

“We cannot do research into the oceanic environment alone since it is an area warranting collaborative efforts with the rest of the world , “ a top NARA official said on condition of anonymity.

Another informed source said that China is also keen to send the vessel despite India ‘s concerns .

The latest development has happened at a time when Sri Lanka seeks equally good ties with both India and China to get over the current economic crisis .(Kelum Bandara)

Comments - 18

Huang Ho Monday, 21 August 2023 10:22 AM

Why is China always trying to come repeatedly only to Sri Lanka to do Research/ Search ?

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Kai Gama Monday, 21 August 2023 10:45 AM

Its only in Sri Lanka that they have big neighbour problems it looks like. They wont build such large vessels to come once in 7 years or so to Sri Lanka only.

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Sokrates Monday, 21 August 2023 10:51 AM

This is the beginning of a creeping invasion, initially non-military, such as China has already successfully carried out in many African countries.

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Sarath Ratnayake Monday, 21 August 2023 10:39 AM

Would have thought the FM takes decisions in such a situation, and not a research organization!!!! No brainer appearently.

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chris Monday, 21 August 2023 10:48 AM

Its a matter of having friendly rational discussions with all parties and having a win-win-no loss situation for the 3 parties. in BRICS both India and China are collaborating. Likewise here too they have enough brains to collaborate.

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Namal Monday, 21 August 2023 11:25 AM

America and Britain the two most outspoken countries against China are hypocritically allowing Chinese investments in their own countries, and the Indians do business with China that annually hits many millions of dollars. When they can deal with China, why can’t a small country like Sri Lanka be put under pressure by them to reduce our links with China. China is a friend of Sri Lanka and if they want to send a research vessel to Sri Lanka, let them send the ship.

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Kosappu Monday, 21 August 2023 12:04 PM

One of the worst ever we had

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Lanak Monday, 21 August 2023 01:34 PM

India suspects china for everything they do ? And china too acts in a suspicious way and they don't reveal any information and they are behaving like a dictator ..that too add this suspicion...Now we are caught up in this circles of suspicion between geopolitical giants .only God can save us from evil eyes of geopolitical greed and conflict . What crime we 22m Sri Lankans have done to suffer like this . It is moral responsibility of both to realize our situation.

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Koriyawa Monday, 21 August 2023 02:00 PM

China was our friend even when west was against them with the commie scare

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vithura Monday, 21 August 2023 03:03 PM

India must put its foot down and demand SL refuses permission to the Chinese vessel. When Sri Lankans were starving Chinese were just on lookers whereas India extended much needed financial and other immediate assistance. They did the same with loan renegotiations. Some politicians here behave so obsequiously towards China, because of the back handers they have taken.

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Tom jones Monday, 21 August 2023 07:13 PM

President Ranil Wickremesinghe was not able to meet the PM of Singapore who is the most important person. Utter disregard which Ranil Deserves. Singapore does no recognise rogue nation. President of Singapore is ceremonial figurehead. His visit is a failure.

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Nihal Monday, 21 August 2023 09:00 PM

Why a foreign nation come and conduct research activities in SL waters. This comprises the independence of Sri Lanka and wouldn’t recommend this at all to any nation unless they allow us on board to check all the activities they conduct within our territory .if India objects, they can be allowed on board to monitor such activities

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Sarange Don Dharmasena( Los Angeles) Monday, 21 August 2023 11:56 PM

We are a Nonaligned Country. Which is still a developing country. Hence we need cooperation from all nations. Ships from any country including superpowers like, the USA, India, UK, Russia, and Japan can enter our ports after obtaining approval from Foreign Ministry. Hence other people should not worry about asking why only China is having such an interest to enter our territorial waters.

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Laughter from Jaffna Tuesday, 22 August 2023 12:47 AM

Xi to Ranil: “ I am sending a research ship to Sri Lankan port”. Ranil to Xi: “No problem , one or two or even ten ships, no problem”. Modi to Ranil: “You idiot, why did you say ‘yes’ to the Chinaman, now tell him ‘no’ ‘no’ “. Ranil to Modi: “ How can I say ‘no’ after saying ‘yes’. Modi to Ranil: “ You tell the Chinaman there is no water in the Sri Lankan ports “. Ranil to Modi: “ Oh that is a good point, but what do I say if Xi ask me ‘where has the water gone’ “. Modi to Ranil: “ You imbecile, tell him the water has gone into your head”.

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Karma Tuesday, 22 August 2023 04:00 AM

India is claiming ownership to Indian Ocean similar to China’s claim to South China seas. Two pirates in action while the Anglo Yankees are exploiting the Diego Garcia

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Headless country Tuesday, 22 August 2023 08:12 AM

Who is running the country ? NARA or is there a government taking decisions.

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L de Silva Tuesday, 22 August 2023 10:16 AM

All these funds doled out by India and its "charity" toward this country obviously had its pitfalls! Just like the Trojan Horse! Nothing comes free!! And now an independent sovereign nation is subject to dictates of a bully neighbour! We cannot enter into collaborations with China nor exercise an independent foreign policy nor conduct projects in the North and East without the prior approval of India! The latter being prohibited completely!! Destabilization and economic hostage are the tactics used by bullies! Doubt Daily Mirror will publish these comments as it goes against the agenda of placating the Big Brother!

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Ayesh Indranath Ranawaka Saturday, 26 August 2023 06:59 AM

Zheng He, Chinese Mariner/Admiral , Central Cultural Fund and Chinese Hydrography Surveys in our waters . Zheng He, also known as Cheng Ho, was a Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat, and Admiral during the early Ming Dynasty in the 15th century. He is most famous for leading several maritime expeditions known as the "Treasure Voyages," which aimed to expand China's influence and establish diplomatic and trade relationships with other parts of the world. During his voyages, Zheng He made a significant connection with Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was a key stop on his maritime route, and he visited the island multiple times during his voyages. Zheng He's visits to Sri Lanka were part of his larger efforts to establish a network of trade and diplomatic relations across the Indian Ocean and beyond. The primary narrative diverges from that. Chinese vessels have been journeying to Sri Lanka since 2014, motivated by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) inked with the Central Cultural Fund signed i

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