Vice Chairman of China’s National Committee, Qin Boyong, expressed China’s intention to recommence maritime research in Sri Lanka during his meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake last December. However, conflicting statements from Sri Lankan officials have created uncertainty regarding the status of the ban on foreign research vessels.
Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the ban imposed by the previous government had been lifted. In contrast, the Foreign Minister clarified that the ban remains in place and that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is currently being prepared.
This contradiction raises questions—if the government has not officially lifted the ban, how could both the Chinese vice Minister and the Cabinet Spokesperson claim otherwise? It is unlikely that the Chinese official would have made such a statement without the government’s knowledge. Notably, this claim was released to the media following Qin Boyong’s meeting with President Anura. Interestingly, despite expectations, no mention of this matter appeared in the joint statement issued after Anura visited China.
Reports suggest that China has given Sri Lanka a deadline until March to make a decision regarding the ban. However, it remains unclear whether this deadline has already lapsed.
Meanwhile, media reports indicate that the Maldives has granted permission for Chinese research vessels to operate in the Indian Ocean. Indian media have criticized Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, accusing him of undermining India’s regional influence. Despite praising India as a valuable partner during his visit to New Delhi, Muizzu’s decision to allow Chinese research ships has sparked controversy.
Given this context, it seems unlikely that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake would lift Sri Lanka’s ban on Chinese research vessels, especially with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit scheduled for April. If Anura were to make such a decision, it could jeopardize Modi’s trip to Sri Lanka. There is speculation that Anura may be delaying any decision on the matter until after Modi’s visit.
Without a clear stance from the Sri Lankan government on the research ship ban, it is uncertain whether the Chinese projects agreed upon during Anura’s visit to Beijing will proceed. Recently, the Foreign Minister stated that China has committed to providing free school uniforms for Sri Lankan students even in 2026. Additionally, Chinese sources suggest that a special Chinese envoy may visit Sri Lanka ahead of Modi’s arrival. The purpose of this visit and the message it will convey remain unclear.
