Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2023-07-17

Introduction of a Standard Operating Procedure for granting Diplomatic Clearance for Foreign Seaborne Vessels arriving in Sri Lanka and Foreign Military or State Aircrafts

- Due to the geostrategic location of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, foreign seaborne vessels and foreign military or state aircrafts frequently visit Sri Lanka. Further, States and competent International Organizations are interested in carrying out Marine Scientific Research in the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf of Sri Lanka. In this context, it has been found necessary to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure so as to grant diplomatic clearance for such activities. Accordingly, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs has submitted the Standard Operating Procedure prepared in consultation with all parties to the Cabinet and it was decided to grant approval for the same.