Cabinet approval has been granted to form a special committee to amend the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for granting diplomatic clearance to foreign research vessels in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a media briefing held today (Jan. 22), Foreign Minister – Vijitha Herath said the new SOP will be based on the recommendations of the committee, which is chaired by himself.
Noting that a year-long moratorium on foreign marine scientific research vessels no longer exists, he said that the previous SOP will be in effect until the amended one is finalised.
He said that also a definite time frame cannot be stated, they hoped to conclude the task soon.
