The Sri Lankan government has expressed its disagreement with a proposal put forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to relocate the international shipping lane, moving it 15 nautical miles away from Deundara Point. This proposal was introduced as part of an assessment aimed at safeguarding blue whales and mitigating collisions with small vessels.
In response, the Sri Lankan government has formally requested the removal of this proposal from the agenda of the upcoming 80th session of the IMO, set to take place next month in the United Kingdom. A dedicated team from Sri Lanka is scheduled to participate in this session, where discussions on the potential diversion of the international sea route away from Sri Lanka will occur.
The proposal, co-sponsored by eight organizations including the International Whaling Commission, the BIMCO organization representing ship owners, and the International Organization of Free Oil Transport Shipowners, has garnered international attention. However, the Sri Lankan government has conducted a thorough evaluation of the proposal and officially conveyed its inability to agree with it.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabri has announced the establishment of a committee, led by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and Presidential Adviser Ruwan Wijewardene, to thoroughly study the matter at hand. A meeting involving all stakeholders took place on the 9th of this month to discuss the issue.
The current primary shipping route, known as the Eastern and Western Seaway, passes within a mere 12 nautical miles of Deundara Point. Over 40,000 commercial vessels navigate this route annually, emphasizing its significance.
Under the new IMO proposal, the international shipping route would be relocated approximately 76 nautical miles from the Colombo port, 21.6 nautical miles from the Galle port, and 26.9 nautical miles from the Hambantota port.
In anticipation of these changes, the renowned Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has already decided to navigate 15 nautical miles away from this critical sea route. Additionally, they have encouraged other companies to consider alternative routes further south of Sri Lanka to facilitate their maritime traffic.
