President Empowers Navy to Lead Maritime Security Missions

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to authorize the Sri Lankan Navy to independently carry out maritime security operations in key regional ports, under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence. The proposal was presented by the President in his capacity as Minister of Defence.

This decision follows the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) removal of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Somali Sea from its designated high-risk zone list as of January 1, 2023. Despite this reclassification, commercial vessels continue to employ armed maritime guards from foreign private security companies when navigating these waters, citing lingering security concerns.

Ports in Galle and Colombo have served as primary hubs for the embarkation and disembarkation of these armed guards, with Hambantota and Trincomalee occasionally facilitating such operations. Given the strategic importance of these activities and the need to safeguard national interests, the Sri Lankan Navy has been entrusted with full operational responsibility.

The government cited the Navy’s extensive experience and expertise in maritime security as the rationale for this move. The new directive empowers the Navy to manage these operations directly.