Page 246 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
The scope of diplomacy has assumed formidable dimensions and apart
from political, cultural, financial and commercial it involves military as
well. Thus the naval diplomacy to be played by the SLN will have much
significance.
Force and Force Structure

The requirement of force and force structure planning according to the
perceived threat will enable to implement the strategies, thus reaching
the end result. While assessing the capacity and capabilities of force
and force structure of SLN it is required to analyse whether it suits for
the perceived threat. The force and force structure include both men,
women and material and it is very important to analyse how well SLN is
structured her force to implement the strategies to meet the end results.
Therefore, SLN will endeavour to be more inclusive in recruitment and
operational employment of personnel in line with the operational and
administrative needs. The key focus will be to recruit, train and equip the
right person for the right task. In this context it is imperative to measure
the military effectiveness in order to support the grand strategy of the
country and to have well planned and productive defence budget for
Navy.

Since future holds quite a promise for Sri Lanka, the Navy needs to
expand to keep pace with the developments. It is a fact that SLN fleet
with small ships and boats is quite a punch as far as brown and green
water operations are concerned but the capability to operate in blue
waters over extended ranges is a future concern. The number of ships
in the naval fleet determines where we can be and being there is a key
to naval power. Also mere numbers are not enough and it must consider
the capability and capacity of them to create an effect. How much to
expand using current operating concepts, platforms and modestly
incorporating technological upgrades should be a key consideration.
Assessing of own capabilities and capacity in terms of force and force
structure, knowledge and professional abilities, required to be done
accurately to avoid both over and under estimation. The planning could
be done accordingly to build required capabilities and capacity for the
SLN to perform her expected role in the maritime domain. Greater

226 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea