The National Aquatic and Research Agency (NARA) will buy a survey and research vessel from Taiwan to deepen marine knowledge and also upgrade the marine technical college to 'ocean university' status.

Accordingly, NARA had been given the nod by the cabinet of minister to purchase a research vessel for 313 million rupees.

The vessel has the capacity to conduct hydrography, oceanography and marine biology research, the Director General of NARA Mrs. Nilmini Diyabedanage said.

The research vessel to NARA will enhance survey activities in these fields.