Page 244 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
merit analysis to make an assessment for the future. In modern world
the security and the environment of the sea has become more complex
and ambiguous. Terrorism has significantly increased the nature of the
non-military, transactional and asymmetric threats in the maritime
domain. Unlike traditional military scenarios in which adversaries and
theatres of action are clearly defined, these non-military, asymmetric
threats often demand more than purely military undertakings to be
defeated. Maritime domain presents not only a medium by which
threats can move, but offers a broad array of potential targets. Sri Lanka,
strategically located in the IOR, is also prone to these emerging threats.

The main objective of the defence planning is force preparedness
to safeguard the national security interests. Defence planners must
therefore, have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the
following:

• National interests, security and power.
• Environmental scan and threat analysis.
• Geopolitics and geo-strategy.
• Economy and budgeting.
• Technology management.
• Forecasting techniques.
• Modernisation of the force structure and develop to
counter anticipated traditional and non-traditional
threats.
• National security policy, strategy and doctrines.

Understanding Global Imperatives

The development of the future operational success of developed
countries will rely increasingly on the use of space and cyberspace. The
sufficient control of the sea, air, space and cyberspace will continue to
remain vital imperative for countries. Thus, the requirement for forward
presence and overseas access will be a key factor for their operational
planning. The sensitivities to foreign military presence have steadily
been increasing in the global environment and even close allies of their
own may be hesitant to grant access for a variety of reasons. Therefore,

224 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea