Page 140 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka relies upon international law and diplomacy as basic tools to
resolve any differences that may occur among nation-states. Economic
prosperity through seaborne trade is the key concern. Disruptions
to the blue economy and sea borne trade have the negative effect
on the economic growth resulting instability within the country.
Therefore, good order at sea is of paramount importance to Sri Lanka
as we are an island nation relied on sea borne trade and commerce.
The SLN operates in accordance with both international and domestic
laws which set its rights and obligations and govern its use of force. In
addition, the SLN operates within an increasingly complex legal context
related directly to the features of the maritime environment. The
long held concept of ‘Freedom of the Seas’ has undergone important
modifications in recent decades, particularly as a result of the LOSC
introduction and other international conventions and treaties. One
such additional responsibility entrusted to SLN is to appoint Port Facility
Security Officers for the implementation of ISPS Code in all commercial
ports.

Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation
Act, No 42 of 2000

An Act to give effect to the convention for the Suppression of Unlawful
Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation; and to provide for
matters connected there with or incidental there to. The convention
for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime
Navigation was adopted in Rome on the 10th March 1988 and Sri Lanka
accedes to the convention.

Maritime Zones Law No. 22 of 1976

For Sri Lanka, the law relating to the delimitation of boundaries and
jurisdictional zones is set out in the Maritime Zones Law No.22 of 1976
and the Maritime Zones Proclamation made in pursuance of this law.
The jurisdiction which the State exercises in the different zones, i.e.
Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, EEZ, CS and Pollution Prevention Zone,
is set out in the Maritime Zones Law and the limits of the different
zones have been proclaimed, under the Maritime Zones Proclamation.

122 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea