Government Scrambles to Regain UN Research Ship After Delay
- CNL Reporter
- July 23, 2025
- Political
- UN Research Ship
- 0 Comments
Sri Lankan authorities are negotiating with the crew of the UN-flagged research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen to extend its Indian Ocean mission after a delayed government approval forced the cancellation of a vital marine research program, officials said.
The vessel, operated by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was scheduled to conduct marine ecosystem research in Sri Lankan waters from July 15 to August 20. Despite repeated UN and FAO appeals, Sri Lanka’s approval came too late, prompting FAO to cancel the research, which has now been taken up by Madagascar.
The delay stemmed from the government’s failure to finalize standard operating procedures (SOPs) for foreign research vessels—an issue complicated by geopolitical tensions over past visits by Chinese ships, prompting a moratorium that ended in December 2024. Although President Anura Kumara Dissanayake gave special approval last month, efforts are now underway to reschedule the research for two weeks after the vessel completes work in Bangladesh.
A UN document warned the cancellation could cost Sri Lanka over $1 million in direct losses and compromise data essential for climate and fisheries planning. The FAO awaits confirmation from the vessel on whether Sri Lanka will still be included in its mission.
