Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2011-01-20

Procurement of a Survey and Research Vessel for Hydrography, Oceanography and Marine Biology Research Work of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA)

- NARA has to undertake research work pertaining to the above, of the entire water column and the sea bed which falls within the jurisdiction of Sri Lanka. Government has observed that deployment of a Research Vessel for NARA would enhance its research and survey/seabed mapping capabilities covering near shore and off shore areas. Accordingly, on a proposal made the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Research Development, Hon. (Dr.) Rajitha Senaratne and on the recommendation of the Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee, Cabinet approval was granted for the purchase of the relevant vessel from Taiwan at a cost of Rs.313.84 million, to be delivered within a period of 09 months.