The Ministry of Defense has officially granted permission for the Chinese research vessel ‘Xi Yan 06’ to visit Sri Lanka. This decision comes in response to requests made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NARA Institute.
Colonel Nalin Herath, the Media Director of the Ministry of Defense, confirmed the granting of permission for the ship’s visit. However, specific dates for the ship’s arrival in Sri Lanka have not yet been provided.
The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka also played a role in facilitating the request for the ship’s visit. The Nara Institute is reportedly planning to collaborate with the Chinese research ship on a research project during its time in Sri Lanka.