Page 158 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
Access

Seventy per cent of the earth is covered by water and over ninety
percent of which covered by the sea. 2.4 billion of the world’s population
lives within 100km inland from coast which legitimate the high degree
of access to sea by any littoral nation. The freedom of navigation in
international waters existed from the past allows interested nations to
access to the places of interest by naval forces. Therefore, majority of
states has a coastline and they are connected by sea. Maritime forces
could be deployed unhindered to most significant areas and to counter
threats. Sri Lanka is an Island nation with a vast coastline and connected
by sea. SLN is capable of deploying her assets more effectively to most
of the areas along the coastline and beyond to counter any maritime
threats.

Mobility

Naval forces are highly mobile in many aspects and they are able to
move long distances at a stretch. This mobility enables the maritime
forces to respond from over the horizon, becoming selectively visible
and threatening to potential adversaries. Ability to replenish and be
prepared for the sea within short notice, carrying huge payload of fuel
oil, food, arms and ammunitions provides enhance flexibility in both
tactical and operational levels.

Versatility

Warships can easily change their military posture, undertake several tasks
concurrently and be readily available for re-tasking. SLN fleet, especially
newly acquired AOPVs could be easily changed their military posture
by undertaking several tasks concurrently and be readily available for
re-tasking.

Sustainability

As maritime forces have their own integral logistics and material support
systems, the range and endurance that they provide support individual
units to sustain extended period at sea at considerable distances from

140 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea