By Shamindra Ferdinando

Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, yesterday (31) alleged that the country had been deprived of foreign exchange to the tune of billions of USD over the past three decades due to the failure on the part of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) to establish a system to sell hydrographic maps for ships entering Sri Lankan waters.

Addressing the media at his office near Technical Junction, Minister Rajapakshe said that NARA not only neglected its responsibility but allowed external parties to exploit the situation for their benefit. The Minister alleged that NARA had reached an agreement with the external parties and the payments received were utilised by that institute.

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.

The NARA is the apex national institute vested with the responsibility of carrying out research, development and management of aquatic resources.

Responding to The Island query, Dr. Rajapakshe said it was possible that successive governments had not implemented the proposed system in line with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) deliberately.

Pointing out that 200 to 300 vessels entered Sri Lankan waters a day, Minister Rajapakshe declared that the Consolidated Fund could have received as much as USD 200 mn (Rs 60-65 bn) annually by providing the hydrographic maps at USD 25 each.

Dr. Rajapakshe explained how the project could contribute towards the government’s efforts to overcome economic difficulties experienced since 2020. Declaring that the Navy was fully capable of undertaking the project, he said that NARA and some surveyors had resisted the government move for obvious reasons.

According to the Minister, NARA wants the status quo to continue and receive payments from those who provide the services to the ships passing through Sri Lankan waters.

Minister Rajapakshe said that the Navy had brought the issue to his notice and he was glad to act on their concerns.

Commodore Kosala Warnakulasooriya functions as the Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS). Warnakulasooriya received the appointment at NARA on 10 Aug., this year.

Dr. Rajapakshe said that the Supreme Court had been moved against the proposed Act.

Referring to statistics provided by relevant authorities, Minister Rajapakshe said that all ports save the Hambantota Port had recorded a drop in ship arrivals due to several reasons, including the absence of proper hydrographic maps.