After concerns from India, US, Sri Lanka says it will not bar foreign ships from ports | India News – Times of India

KOLOMBO: Sri Lanka has decided to lift a ban on visits by foreign research vessels from next year, which was imposed after strong security concerns were raised by India and the US following frequent requests for docking by high-tech Chinese surveillance vessels, Japanese media reported. The change in stance was conveyed by visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry to NHK World Japan.
With more Chinese research vessels plying the Indian Ocean, New Delhi has become concerned that they could be spy ships. Colombo has been urged to ban such vessels from its ports. After India raised concerns, Sri Lanka banned foreign research vessels from docking at its port in January. An exception was made for a Chinese vessel earlier this year, but the ban would otherwise remain in place.
Sabry said his government cannot have different rules for different countries and only block China. He added that his country will not take sides in a dispute between others, NHK World Japan said in a report on Friday. The moratorium will last until January next year. Sri Lanka will then stop banning foreign research vessels from its ports next year, Sabry said.
Two Chinese spy ships were given permission to dock at Sri Lankan ports for the next 14 months through November 2023. One ship was to be resupplied and the other was to conduct research.