NARA hits back at Justice Minister, alleges Navy making bid to take over its functions

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) yesterday (07) denied accusations that the premier marine research institute continued to cause massive loss of revenue to the government due to its failure to achieve key responsibility in preparing Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC)/hydrographic maps to be sold to foreign vessels passing through Sri Lankan waters.

NARA maintains that there is absolutely no basis for the allegations made by Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, recently.

Addressing the media on behalf of NARA at its head office at Crow Island, Mattakkuliya, President of the Scientists Association, NARA, Upul Liyanage, its Jt. Secretary Nilupa Samarakoon and D.V.S. P. Bandara of the Technology Transfer Division alleged attempts were being made by interested parties to establish another setup similar to NARA at the expense of an institution that served the country for well over two decades.

They appreciated the initial assistance provided by Germany, beginning in 1986, to facilitate NARA ‘operations.’

The NARA is the apex national institute vested with the responsibility of carrying out research, development and management of aquatic resources. The agency comes under the purview of Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda.

Among the allegations directed at NARA pertained to the utilization of funds received for services provided to foreign parties and lack of commitment to meet the challenging tasks.

The Justice Minister said the National Hydrographic Bill had been submitted to the Parliament to enable the country to receive full benefits of ensuring safe passage of foreign vessels passing through local waters.

However, NARA alleged that the proposed Bill was meant to weaken NARA to pave the way for the Navy to take over the operation. Repeatedly asked why NARA opposed the Bill, the state enterprise insisted that it couldn’t give reasons as the Supreme Court had been moved by the Scientists Association.

Responding to queries, NARA emphasized that Minister Rajapakshe’s claims that Sri Lanka could earn as much as USD 200 mn annually (or Rs 65 bn) if the Navy took over the job didn’t hold water.

Commenting on accusations pertaining to misappropriation of public funds, NARA said that the agency used to receive Rs 20 m annually though that was now down to Rs 1.5 mn. Declaring that NARA hadn’t been found fault by State Audit under any circumstances, they urged the government to provide the required support and help overcome whatever shortcomings.

Reference was also made to the joint Indo-Sri Lanka hydrographic survey undertaken sometime back. NARA declined to answer questions on various projections made by the Navy while repeatedly pointing out that financial gains couldn’t often match massive investments made by the government.

NARA said that contrary to accusations the agency always managed to meet the country’s requirements over the years. There hadn’t been a single instance of the country having to bring in outside expertise as NARA met the requirements. Unfortunately now attempts were being made to tarnish NARA’s image to such an extent both local and foreign parties would lose their confidence in the agency.

NARA acknowledged that they worked with the Navy and since 2019 the only research vessel it owned was manned by the Navy.

NARA said that the agency had been severely perturbed by the move to enact a new Bill amidst heavy onslaught by interested parties.