Defense Ministry gives green light for Shi Yan 6 to conduct research in Sea of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Defence has given the green light for the Chinese Research/Survey Vessel Shi Yan 6 to dock at the ports of Sri Lanka.

The approval was granted following a request made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, also known as NARA.

Chinese Research/Survey Vessel Shi Yan 6 will reach Sri Lanka on October 25, and will be involved in research operations in the Sea of Sri Lanka for a period of 17 days. 

Sri Lanka Navy said that the Shi Yan 6 will be reaching Sri Lanka for joint research operations with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, also known as NARA.

However NARA said the vessels' arrival is part of an agreement reached with the Ruhuna University of Sri Lanka.

This is not the first time that the Chinese Research/Survey Vessel Shi Yan 6 will be visiting Sri Lanka.

The Shi Yan 6, Research and Survey Vessel had previously visited Sri Lanka on the 20th of April 2022, and remained in the Sea of Sri Lanka for a total of ten days. 

Over a past few years, a large number of vessels had reached Sri Lankan ports, and a majority of them are Chinese research and survey vessels.

These vessels include the Shi Yan 6, Shi Yan 1, Shi Yan 3, Xiang Yang Hong 3, Xiang Yang Hong 18, Xiang Yang Hong 1, Xiang Yang Hong 6, and Xiang Yang Hong 19.