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76 Sri Lanka Navy Journal

NAVIGATING SRI LANKA’S MARITIME AND STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE

Sub Lieutenant Maduranga Tennakoon
Abstract

Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean has long established
it as a pivotal hub in global maritime trade and connectivity. This paper eluci-
dates the multifaceted significance of Sri Lanka’s geographic position, tracing
its historical maritime connections and analyzing its contemporary geopolitical
dynamics, economic imperatives, maritime security concerns, and regional di-
plomacy. Emphasizing the centrality of maritime affairs to Sri Lanka’s foreign
policy, it highlights the country’s efforts to balance relations with regional and
global powers while safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests. The
paper also delineates the current challenges and opportunities facing Sri Lan-
ka in its maritime domain, including piracy, smuggling, environmental threats,
and economic development initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. Further-
more, it elucidates Sri Lanka’s proactive measures to enhance maritime security
through naval patrols, international cooperation, and investments in maritime
infrastructure. Ultimately, Sri Lanka’s strategic investments in maritime infra-
structure aim to bolster its economic growth, strengthen regional integration,
and contribute to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

Keywords: Sri Lanka, Maritime, Strategic, Indian Ocean, Geographical, Trade,
Ports

Introduction

ri Lanka, located strategically in the Indian Ocean, holds a pivotal posi-
Stion connecting major maritime routes between the East and the West.
Positioned off the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, it serves as a crucial
link between the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Its central lo-
cation along key shipping lanes, including the East-West shipping route and the
north-south route along the eastern coast of Africa, underscores its importance
as a maritime crossroads.

The island nation’s geographic features further enhance its strategic sig-
nificance. Sri Lanka boasts a natural deep-water harbor at Trincomalee on the
east coast and the bustling port of Colombo on the west coast. These ports have
historically served as vital hubs for maritime trade, facilitating the movement of
goods and vessels between regions. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s proximity to major
energy chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, am-
plifies its role in global energy security and trade dynamics.