By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): The Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6 is scheduled to operate at sea for 80 days with 28 scientific research projects from 13 research teams onboard on its way to Sri Lanka, an international navigation report revealed.
Following India, the U.S. has raised concern with the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration, over the scheduled visit of a Chinese research vessel to Sri Lanka in October
In a recent meeting with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland took up the coming visit of Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 to Sri Lanka.
Reportedly, Mr. Sabry reassured the American official that Colombo would adhere to a “Standard Operating Procedure” that the government has recently finalised, for all foreign vessels intending to call at a Sri Lankan port.
Sri Lanka has made an urgent request from the Chinese authorities to delay the Chinese ships’ arrival to Sri Lanka till next month due to important events that are to take place in the island nation, an informed source said.
The SL government was of the view that if the Chinese vessel is allowed to enter the country on October 28, it has to face severe diplomatic issues and repercussions.
Sri Lanka is to host Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) meeting in Colombo with the participation of 23 foreign ministers including India this month in which the island nation is expected to take over the chairmanship of the IORA.
President Ranil Wickremasighe’s official visit to China is also scheduled for October 16-17 and he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping during his stay in Beijing.
It has been revealed that India has decided to send a high level official delegation to Sri Lanka after the President’s visit to China to discuss current pressing issues including the Chinese vessel’s visit to the island nation.
Under this setup Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar participation in IORA hangs in the balance as India is visibly concerned about the Chinese research ship’s voyage to Sri Lanka.
A year after India expressed concerns over a Chinese ‘spy’ ship in Sri Lanka, this ‘research’ vessel is headed for a visit to the island nation.
Shi Yan 6 ship has entered the Indian Ocean and is expected to reach Sri Lanka this month to carry out research along with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).
As per reports, the ship will make trip to the Sri Lankan ports of Colombo and Hambantota for a span of 17 days to conduct an ocean survey.
The United States has already raised concerns with Sri Lanka with Under Secretary Victoria Nuland meeting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session and raising concerns about the upcoming visit of the Chinese vessel. Indian officials have also expressed concerns to Colombo.
