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Govt. sets up National Hydrographic Office, clears the way for further developments in the field
Navy Headquarters on Thursday (14) announced the establishment of the National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) at the Welisara Naval Complex, under the patronage of State Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon.
The Cabinet of Ministers on Dec 13, 2022 directed Secretary of Defence Gen. (retd.) Kamal Gunaratne to take immediate measures to establish a National Hydrographic Office, consisting of qualified hydrographic surveyors.
The setting up of the new office took place amidst the ongoing dispute between the government and National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) over the proposed role of the Navy in the overall process. On behalf of NARA, its Scientists Association recently moved Supreme Court against the National Hydrographic Bill presented by Justice Minister D. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC.
The SC court has sent its determination to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. According to Minister Rajapakse, the bone of contention between the Navy and NARA is as to who should be responsible for the preparing of Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC)/hydrographic maps to be sold to foreign vessels passing through Sri Lankan waters.
Navy Headquarters said that the opening of SLNHO would pave the way for charting of a new course towards maritime security and economic prosperity.
The milestone event was also attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva.
Chief Hydrographer of the Navy, Commodore Kosala Warnakulasooriya addressing the gathering.
According to the Navy since the colonial era, the hydrographic service here has been controlled by the Navy and this leadership role has persisted even after the country gained independence. The first recorded survey by the Royal Ceylon Navy was done in 1962 when the Navy under took hydrographic surveys for the Pulmoddai Mineral Sand Corporation.
As of 1970, the Sri Lanka Navy successfully charted previously unexplored regions of the island waters. As a result, the Navy accomplished the comprehensive surveying of the Indo-Lanka maritime boundary by 1976. However, by 1983, the naval hydrographic involvement came to a halt due to the conflict situation in the country.
As a member country of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), Sri Lanka is obliged to regularly adopt and enforce the charters accepted by those organizations regarding the safety of navigation and related activities. Accordingly, the fourth and ninth regulations of Chapter V of international convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) have covered hydrographic survey activities and related services.
In its role as a maritime hub, Sri Lanka is expected to ensure safe navigation within its waters by establishing facilities and conducting thorough hydrographic surveys. Additionally, the country should be responsible for the production and distribution of accurate nautical charts.
The basic criteria for the production and distribution of these nautical charts have been published by IMO and IHO according to the international standards and all member countries must maintain their hydrographic services in accordance with them. For nearly four decades, Sri Lanka has lacked sufficient intervention in addressing this matter
It is in this backdrop, the newly established office will be tasked with effectively overseeing hydrographic surveyors and hydrographic surveying operations. It also aims to generate revenue from the maritime sector through direct activities, including the production and sale of nautical charts and to swiftly provide highly reliable navigational charts to the market. This initiative promises both direct economic advantages and indirect gains for the nation. Historically, despite an annual passage of around 35,000 ships through Sri Lanka’s sea routes, the country has remained untapped in terms of potential revenue.
However, by supplying essential navigational charts to these vessels, Sri Lanka now has the opportunity to generate substantial income. Thus, the National Hydrographic Office has taken on the crucial task of replacing outdated maps, which are currently provided by foreign countries. Accordingly, the main objective of the new office is to refresh the existing data with up-to-date information and produce charts that reflect current data.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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