SL plays vital role in maritime security, preventing illegal activities – US Ambassador
US Ambassador in Colombo Julie Chung said that Sri Lanka plays a key role in leading efforts to increase maritime security and prevent the illegal activities and movements of illicit enterprises, on Thursday (15).
“Sri Lanka’s waters host vital trade routes that maintain the global supply networks and carry goods all over the world. Uniquely positioned in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka plays a key role in leading efforts to increase maritime security and prevent the illegal activities and movements of illicit enterprises”, she said.
She said that strengthening Sri Lanka’s criminal justice and maritime security sector is also a critical component of the US – Sri Lanka partnership.
“This country recently experienced one of the greatest economic challenges in its history, and I know how difficult these past few years have been for Sri Lankans. The United States has stood by our Sri Lankan partners through these challenging times, especially through our ongoing efforts to promote economic prosperity, food security, and inclusive governance. The rule of law, equal access to justice, accountability and victims’ rights are pillars of all democratic legal systems and are essential to the safety and well-being of all Sri Lanka’s citizens”, she said.
The US Envoy was speaking at the inauguration of ‘Ship in a box’ at the Kirinda Coast Guard station on Thursday.
She added that the US shares a common goal of making the global community safer by countering transnational organised crime and increasing maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
“Funding for the Ship-in-a-Box comes from our Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Programme to support our partnership with Sri Lanka to promote and protect freedom of movement in the Indo-Pacific region. I would also like to acknowledge the representatives from Aitken-Spence, Chief Executive Officer Janaka Gunawardhana and Chief Operating Officer Sharmilal Anthony. And a special welcome to Amentum Corporation Deputy Programme Manager Daniel Kumor and Project Manager Casey Hart. You have all performed a great service to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard”, she added.
Excerpts from the speech: “Sri Lanka’s waters host vital trade routes that maintain the global supply networks and carry goods all over the world. Uniquely positioned in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka plays a key role in leading efforts to increase maritime security and prevent the illegal activities and movements of illicit enterprises. The U.S. Government, along with our partners and friends, recognise just how important the ports and shipping industries are to economic development in Sri Lanka, and other countries across the Indo-Pacific region. All of you here today play an integral role in strengthening the global supply chain, which is vital to Sri Lanka, to the United States and just about every other country around the world.
“I’m so pleased to be here today with you all to learn about how the Sri Lanka Coast Guard intends to use this innovative simulator to enhance training for your personnel and allied agencies, including the Sri Lanka Navy, to practice maritime tactics in a safe and controlled manner, better preparing them for real-world scenarios. Training facilities like this will equip Sri Lankan Security Forces with the practical experience and capacity to protect these vital shipping lanes utilised by the cargo vessels feeding the global economy.
“Effective maritime law enforcement and the skills required to conduct thorough and successful criminal investigations are essential to stopping the proliferation of criminal activities in the maritime arena. Today, we see an increasing number of maritime-related crimes all around the world as a result of many factors, including increased poverty and economic hardship.
Let us work together to raise awareness and support our maritime law enforcement agencies for their service in preventing the transportation of narcotics, trafficking of persons, and other smuggling activities to and from our shores. Through public awareness campaigns at all levels of our educational systems, we can promote a culture of awareness, prevention, and accountability, empowering individuals to report maritime crimes and help reduce the threats to our countries.”
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