The Sri Lanka Navy has officially been entrusted with the authority to conduct independent maritime security operations under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, by issuing a gazette notification after the establishment.
High Level review meetings were held on the 18th and 21st chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), with the objective of making decisive policy determinations and evaluating the operational conduct of ongoing initiatives. The Minister further directed the Commander of the Navy to initiate the maritime security operations underscoring the urgency and strategic importance of timely implementation in alignment with national security objectives.
Addressing the initiative, the Deputy Minister of Defence highlighted its strategic relevance, stating that the deployment of specialized maritime security teams represents a significant enhancement in Sri Lanka’s efforts to secure its maritime borders. He further noted that the initiative aligns with broader national interests, offering considerable economic advantages-particularly in the context of strengthening foreign exchange reserves and reinforcing the country’s economic resilience through maritime stability.
The Commander of the Navy, presented a detailed briefing on the prevailing operational framework, outlining the strategic deployment of maritime security teams and the procedural aspects of formalizing agreements between Private Maritime Security Companies and local shipping agents.
This decision, taken in consideration of pressing national security imperatives, has been formally endorsed through a Gazette notification authorizing the Sri Lanka Navy to establish and maintain a dedicated maritime security operations project. Under this framework, the Navy is empowered to offer services and logistical support to foreign private maritime security companies engaged in safeguarding merchant vessels, yet strategically aligned with broader maritime security objectives of Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, the government will be authorized to generate revenue from foreign maritime companies operating within Sri Lankan waters by facilitating the storage of firearms, ammunition, and related equipment belonging to private maritime security firms in designated armories.
Furthermore, the officers in attendance contributed their perspectives on the operational and regulatory dimensions of maritime security, offering valuable insights.
This initiative, rooted in national interest and maritime security priorities, was thoroughly examined during a high-level consultative session attended by the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Presidential Advisor and Senior Advocate J.M. Wijebandara; Additional Secretary (Civil Security and Development) at the Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Indika Wijegunawardena; along with senior officials from Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited (RALL), the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA), and other key stakeholder institutions, reflecting a unified approach to advancing Sri Lanka’s maritime security framework.
