President Mahinda Rajapaksa launched the Samudrika Research Vessel (Samudrika RV) at the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa International Port on Friday.

This vessel, specially designed for maritime research, is 25 metres in length and 6.5 metres in width and can accommodate seven researchers at any given time.

Samurdrika, the first research vessel of the country costsRs 300 million. The ship has the most modern equipment and a laboratory to collect maritime data around the country.

Samudrika is capable of conducting a wide range of ocean-based research, hydrographic and oceanographic surveys in the maritime environment.

The President also inspected the port premises and construction activities at Mattala International Airport.