Deep Range

Jan 22, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's state marine research agency will buy a survey and research vessel from Taiwan to deepen knowledge and also upgrade a technical college to 'ocean university' status, a government minister said. The state National Aquatic and Research Agency (NARA) had been given the nod by the cabinet of minister to purchase a research vessel for 313 million rupees, minister Anura Yapa said.

The vessel has capacity to conduct hydrography, oceanography and marine biology research.

"The research vessel to NARA will enhance survey activities in these field," minister Yapa said.

The government is also making the National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering into a full degree awarding status 'Ocean University'.

The cabinet of minister had given approval to draft new legislation to upgrade the college.

Sri Lanka is laying claim to extra sea area under international conventions. The end of a 30-year war had also opened up opportunities to increase marine activities.