A Chinese research ship on Wednesday docked at Sri Lanka's Colombo port, officials here said, amid security concerns raised by the US over its visit (Pics/AFP)
Updated On: 2023-10-25 07:40 PM IST
Compiled by : ronak mastakar
"Shi Yan 6 was given permission to enter the (Colombo) port for replenishment," a Sri Lankan foreign ministry spokesperson told PTI
According to sources, Sri Lanka was delaying granting permission for the arrival of Shi Yan 6 due to security concerns raised by India. However, there is no official confirmation of the same
It was not clear how long the vessel would remain docked at the Colombo port
The arrival of Shi Yan 6 followed President Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to China last week
In August, Colombo had announced that the Chinese research vessel is scheduled to arrive in October for marine research activities in collaboration with Sri Lanka's National Aquatic Resource Research and Development Agency (NARA)
Described as a Research/Survey Vessel with a carrying capacity of 1,115 DWT, the vessel is reported to be 5.3 metres in length overall 90.6 metres and width 17 metres
Last month, the US expressed concern to Sri Lanka about the scheduled visit of the Chinese research ship to the island nation
US Under Secretary Victoria Nuland, who met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, had reportedly raised concerns about the visit of 'SHI YAN 6'. China dispatches its research/surveillance vessels to Sri Lanka on a regular basis
India has been raising concern over the visits of Chinese vessels in Lanka
