Sri Lanka, Aug. 21 -- The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) research vessel, Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, has made a port call in Colombo but is not conducting its planned marine research survey in Sri Lankan waters. The vessel's operators have given assurances that it will return to Sri Lanka at the earliest available opportunity to carry out the survey.

The ship, which is a key part of the EAF-Nansen Programme, is now on its way to Bangladesh. Two Sri Lankan scientists are on board for the next phase of the mission, which is a valuable opportunity for training and exposure to advanced research techniques.

The survey in Sri Lankan waters was delayed due to a past hold-up in the approval process. The cancellation of the visit could hav...