Navy earns $598,250 in 04 months from OBST operations
The Sri Lanka Navy has generated USD 598,250 in foreign exchange revenue within just four months by independently facilitating Onboard Security Team (OBST) operations.
According to a Navy statement, this total revenue has been credited to the Government Consolidated Fund for the benefit of the national economy and public welfare.
Between 03 October 2025 and 08 Feb 2026, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted 323 maritime security operations. All earnings, totalling USD 598,250, have been credited directly to the Government Consolidated Fund.
The operations, which include the storage of firearms, ammunition, and equipment for OBSTs at Navy armouries, are conducted under the strict supervision of the Ministry of Defence. The transport of these items is facilitated using vehicles or craft provided by the local agents of foreign PMSCs, all under the direct security and oversight of the Sri Lanka Navy, with effective planning.
The information was disclosed during a press briefing on these operations held at the Department of Government Information yesterday (11 Feb), headed by the Sri Lanka Navy’s Director General Operations.
The shift to independent maritime security operations stems from a Cabinet decision approved on 07 July 2025, following a proposal submitted on 18 June 2025. This move was driven by a commitment to national security and the enhancement of the domestic economy.
The Navy notes that a further legal framework was established when the President, exercising powers under Section 21(1) of the Navy Act, issued a Presidential Order on 10 August 2025. This order designated the Sri Lanka Navy maritime security operation project to provide services by members of the Sri Lanka Navy to Foreign Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) as a “non-naval duty” for the benefit of national interest. The said Presidential Order was officially published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2449/27 on 13 Aug 25.
Pursuant to this mandate, the Sri Lanka Navy initiated independent maritime security operations on 03 October 2025, by entering into agreements with foreign PMSCs. At present, the entirety of the revenue derived from this project is remitted directly to the Consolidated Fund to support the national economy and public welfare initiatives.
Furthermore, the Sri Lankan Navy already possesses most of the necessary physical and human resources to conduct maritime security activities independently. Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Navy will be able to expand the provision of such operations and services with minimal additional cost.
On or around 10 September 2009, the Sri Lanka Navy commenced the storage of arms, ammunition, and equipment required for Sea Marshals engaged in maritime security operations on board merchant ships. These operations were carried out with private entities in accordance with advice received from time to time, under which a small fee was paid to the Sri Lanka Navy for the services provided, while the private entities remitted only a minimal portion of the total revenue to the Government. (Newswire)
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