Sri Lanka is set to finalize the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing foreign research vessels within the next two months, according to Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. The initiative follows the appointment of a committee last year tasked with drafting these procedures, a response to objections from the United States and India concerning Chinese research vessels in the region, which they perceive as a potential threat to the Indian Ocean’s security.
Although the SOP has not yet been finalized, Minister Herath assured reporters at a recent media briefing that its completion is imminent, stating, “Within two months, we will complete it.” The delay follows a one-year moratorium on foreign research vessels imposed by the previous government, led by Ranil Wickremesinghe, in December 2023. This moratorium expired in January last year, leaving the decision on managing foreign research vessels unresolved.
The pressure from India and the U.S., both members of the QUAD alliance, was notably heightened after two Chinese research vessels visited Sri Lanka within a span of 14 months. In response, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration decided in January 2025 to establish a new committee to review and update the existing SOP for all foreign research ship visits.
Last year, Foreign Minister Herath emphasized that the committee, under his leadership, would develop criteria for evaluating visits by foreign research vessels to Sri Lankan waters. The country faces diplomatic challenges in this area due to the complex geopolitical dynamics involving India and China.
In an effort to address these challenges, Sri Lanka and China have agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on maritime cooperation, even as India continues to express concerns over Chinese research ships in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, in April last year, Sri Lanka signed a Defence Cooperation MOU with neighboring countries to exchange information on maritime and other matters, with the stipulation that such exchanges occur on mutual consent.
Minister Herath has previously stated that Sri Lanka is not obligated to seek approval from India or notify them about visits by foreign vessels. However, some government officials have noted that previous administrations have adhered to such practices to foster better relations with India.
(Colombo/January 05/2026)
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