Page 24 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
The Purpose of Maritime Doctrine

Military doctrine is based on in depth analysis and comprehensive
understanding of the history of human conflict and military experience.

Maritime doctrine is that component of military doctrine which endures
the employment of armed forces at and from the sea. It is derived
from the hard won experience of those who have gone and involved
in action before. This publication, Maritime Doctrine of Sri Lanka (SLN
BR 1), explains the key concepts for the conduct of successful maritime
operations. At a fundamental level it explains why Sri Lanka has a Navy.

The Need of Maritime Doctrine

The need for a Maritime Doctrine of Sri Lanka (MDSL) was felt to facilitate:

• All Naval personnel to be conversant and have a sound
understanding of basic principles on which the use of
maritime forces depend and shared way of thinking.
• Officers and men of the Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Air
Force to have an understanding and to better estimate
the maritime component of the broader military strategy.
• Better cooperation and coordination with the friendly
Navies and alliances/coalition partners.
• Maritime awareness among the people of Sri Lanka so
that the greater maritime potential of our nation with rich
maritime history can be fully exploited and harnessed.
• Academic, Research Institutions as well as interested
members of the general public to obtain an insight
into the details of the maritime environment in which
maritime forces function.
• Vital familiarity of the international audience with
maritime thinking of Sri Lanka.

6 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea