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80 Sri Lanka Navy Journal Sri Lanka Navy Journal 81

• Smuggling. Sri Lanka’s porous maritime borders make it vulnera- • Coastal security and low enforcement. In addition to the Sri
ble to various forms of smuggling, including narcotics, arms, contraband Lanka Navy, other maritime law enforcement agencies, such as the Sri
goods, and human trafficking. Smugglers take advantage of gaps in mar- Lanka Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Re-
itime surveillance and enforcement to engage in illicit activities, posing sources, contribute to coastal security and maritime law enforcement
threats to national security, public safety, and law enforcement efforts. efforts. These agencies conduct patrols, inspections, and interdictions to
The smuggling of drugs, in particular, has become a pressing concern, combat illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime crimes, collaborat-
with Sri Lanka serving as a transit point for drug trafficking networks ing closely with the navy and other relevant authorities.
operating in the Indian Ocean region.
• International cooperation and partnerships. Sri Lanka ac-
• Illegal, Unreported and unregulated fishing: IUU fishing pos- tively engages in international cooperation and partnerships to enhance

es a significant threat to Sri Lanka’s maritime resources, marine ecosys- maritime security and combat transnational maritime threats. The coun-
tems, and fisheries industry. Foreign and domestic vessels engage in il- try participates in joint naval exercises, multilateral maritime security
legal fishing activities, such as poaching, overfishing, and using banned initiatives, and regional forums to exchange information, share best prac-
fishing gears, depleting fish stocks, damaging coral reefs, and undermin- tices, and coordinate responses to maritime challenges. Collaboration
ing the livelihoods of local fishermen. IUU fishing not only threatens the with neighboring countries, regional organizations, and international
sustainability of Sri Lanka’s marine environment but also contributes to stakeholders strengthens Sri Lanka’s maritime security posture and pro-
tensions with neighboring countries over maritime boundaries and re- motes collective efforts to address common maritime concerns.
source management.
Investments in Maritime Infrastructure
• Environmental threats: Sri Lanka’s maritime environment
faces various environmental threats, including oil spills, marine pollution,
Sri Lanka has made significant investments in maritime infrastructure to
illegal dumping, and habitat destruction. Accidental oil spills from ship-
enhance its port facilities, promote maritime connectivity, and capitalize on its
wrecks or maritime accidents can have devastating impacts on coastal
strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and coastal communities, requiring co-
ordinated response efforts to contain and mitigate environmental dam-
• Colombo Port expansion. Colombo Port, the largest and busiest
age.
port in Sri Lanka, has undergone extensive expansion and modernization
efforts to accommodate growing maritime trade volumes and larger con-
Additionally, industrial pollution, untreated sewage discharge, and plas-
tainer vessels. Major development projects include the construction of
tic waste contribute to marine pollution, posing risks to human health, marine
new terminals, expansion of existing facilities, and deepening of berths
life, and coastal ecosystems.
to accommodate mega-container ships. The Colombo International Con-
Efforts Taken by Sri Lanka to Enhance Maritime Security tainer Terminal (CICT) and the South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT) are
key components of the port’s modernization plans, offering state-of-the-
Sri Lanka has undertaken various efforts to enhance maritime security, art container handling capabilities and enhancing efficiency in cargo op-
erations
recognizing the importance of safeguarding its maritime domain against threats
such as piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism. • Hambantota Port Development. Hambantota Port, located on
Sri Lanka’s southern coast, has been transformed into a multipurpose
deep-sea port and logistics hub through extensive infrastructure devel-
• Naval patrols and surveillance. The Sri Lanka Navy plays a
opment initiatives. The port features modern container terminals, bulk
central role in maritime security operations, conducting regular patrols,
cargo handling facilities, and specialized berths for roll-on/roll-off (Ro-
surveillance, and reconnaissance missions to monitor maritime activi-
Ro) and vehicle transshipment operations. Hambantota Port aims to at-
ties, deter illicit behavior, and respond to security threats. Naval vessels
tract transshipment traffic and serve as a strategic maritime gateway for
are deployed along the country’s coastline and in key maritime zones to
international trade between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
enforce maritime laws, protect territorial waters, and safeguard mari-
time assets.