Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has announced the formation of a committee to revise the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for granting diplomatic clearance to foreign warships, military aircraft, and research vessels.

The committee is tasked with creating a new SOP to address emerging requirements.

In January, Sri Lanka imposed a temporary ban on foreign marine scientific research vessels, which was lifted later in the year. Currently, clearance for such vessels is being granted under the existing SOP.

Minister Herath expressed optimism that the updated procedure will be finalised soon, paving the way for research vessels to operate under improved regulations.