Combined effort needed to overcome Indian Ocean maritime safety challenges – French official

France’s Europe and Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary General
Anne-Marie Descotes

“France has undertaken several projects to enhance maritime safety and security, primarily through bilateral agreements but also through multilateral efforts such as EU programmes. But none have been as ambitious as the Regional Centre for Maritime Studies (RCMS)”, France’s Europe and Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary General, Anne-Marie Descotes said.

She was speaking at the inauguration of the RCMS at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Ratmalana on Wednesday (11).

She said most countries in the Indian Ocean face similar maritime challenges and there is a shared aspiration to develop cooperation in maritime security and safety.

“There is a widespread need to standardise operational procedures and share common knowledge among all maritime actors. With the involvement of two French representatives, we have strengthened the bond between France and Sri Lanka. More importantly, our ambition is to build strong links across the entire region and, if possible, beyond”, she said.

The French Republic, in partnership with Sri Lanka, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art centre at KDU. This facility aims to enhance communication and knowledge exchange across Government agencies, Naval Forces, coast guard units, and private maritime entities, ensuring a streamlined and efficient flow of information.

Speaking on the occasion Defence Secretary Air vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) said that the RCMS will function as a pivotal and strategic nexus for comprehensive inter-ministerial and inter-agency coordination.

“It will effectively bridge the institutional and operational gaps across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This centre will play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of today and preparing for those of tomorrow”.

“As an island nation, Sri Lanka has always been deeply connected to the sea as a vital lifeline for our economy as well as a shared heritage that unites us with our neighbours. The Indian Ocean is more than just a body of water; it is a corridor of opportunity and a region of shared responsibility”, the Defence Secretary further stated.

Acting Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Marie-Noelle Duris, Foreign Affairs Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry Secretary, Aruni Ranaraja, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, KDU Vice-Chancellor Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara and Director RCMS Captain Chamila E. Mendis were also present.

The Defence Secretary also chaired a special meeting with the Secretary General of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Navy Commander and KDU Vice-Chancellor, prior to this inauguration ceremony.

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