Page 202 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA

Logistics Operations - Sealift of Logistics during War

The distribution of logistics was a major challenge during
the war. At the latter part of the conflict there was no land
routes opened beyond Vavuniya to the North.

The government forces were literally isolated in the
North. The only link they had was the SLOC except the
airlift which was constrained by the weight it could carry
and the non-availability of adequate logistics Aircraft.
The intention of the enemy was to starve the peninsula,
demoralise the military and re-capture Jaffna.

SLN had a herculean task to provide an uninterrupted
supply of logistics not only to the naval forces stationed in
North but also to the sister services and Police serving in
the North by sealifting the required logistics. This was the
key factor in sustaining the fighting capability of troops
stationed in the Northern peninsula.

From ammunition to pieces of artillery and armed tanks
all were sealifted. Therefore, SLN logistics had played a
key role in supplying items to the battle front during the
time of war with many constraints.

The limitations of supplying critical items have to be considered when
planning an operation. The crux in logistics is the commander’s decision
and logistics plan. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the commander or
the commanding officer to have a justifiable logistics requirement and
it is the responsibility of the logisticians to advice the commander on
availability and constraints in supplying the items. For the smooth and
effective functioning of logistics, foreign procurements are handled at
the headquarter level. Most of the items required for maintenance and
periodical routines of machinery of the fleet need to be obtained from
foreign suppliers. Each command has logistics department to facilitate
the timely requirements of the fleet and shore establishments.

182 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea