Sri Lanka is at risk of forfeiting a multimillion-dollar marine research opportunity coordinated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), following delays in formulating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for foreign research vessels.
The FAO had arranged the deployment of the advanced Norwegian research vessel Dr Fridtjof Nansen to Sri Lanka between July 15 and August 20, 2025.
The mission, requested by Sri Lanka in November 2023, was expected to support critical research on marine ecosystems, fisheries, and biodiversity, while also contributing to long-term food security and climate resilience.
However, the Ministry of Fisheries informed the UN in May 2025 that the visit would have to be cancelled, citing the lack of finalized SOPs for such vessels.
This comes months after the cabinet under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake agreed to draft new guidelines, a process that has yet to commence.
It is reported that the cancellation could result in the loss of over USD 1 million in direct assistance and significantly impact data-driven programming supported by the Green Climate Fund.
It also notes that a rescheduling of the vessel may not be possible until after 2030.
The F. Nansen was expected to operate under the UN flag and in partnership with Sri Lankan institutions, including the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency and the Navy.
All operations were to adhere strictly to national laws, with data published only after government clearance.
The issue is further complicated by geopolitical sensitivities.
A one-year moratorium on foreign research vessels, introduced under the previous administration due to pressure from India and the United States over Chinese vessels, expired in December 2024.
Since then, Sri Lanka has struggled to find a balanced policy approach, with a Foreign Ministry committee still pending.
Diplomatic sources say that India continues to express concern over Chinese maritime activity in the region despite reassurances from the current government that foreign research missions do not require Indian consent.
However, the SOP delay reflects the NPP government’s continued hesitation over how to manage competing regional interests.
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