Page 82 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
Illegal Movement of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Globalisation, which hinges mainly on the free flow of international
seaborne trade, also open up economic opportunities for populations.
However, rogues and terrorists also capitalise on such opportunities, using
seaborne trade to illegally transport WMD material. While diplomacy
may be used as a primary weapon to battle proliferation, containment
will require an answer. The efforts to mitigate such activities in the IOR
are limited by the existing Law of the Sea.

Natural Disasters

The IOR is sometimes called the ‘World’s Hazard Belt’ as it is prone
to disasters, both natural and man-made. Natural disasters under the
group of Climatological (cyclones and droughts), Geological and Tectonic
(earthquakes and Tsunamis) and Hydrological (floods and tidal surges)
origins are very common and reoccurring phenomena in the region.
The year 2018 and 2019 saw Tsunamis and earthquakes in Indonesia,
severe droughts in Madagascar, floods and landslides in India, seasonal
cyclones in the islands of the Indian Ocean, and many more calamities.
The Tsunami in 2004 December and 2008 super cyclone in Myanmar
have created huge impact to Sri Lanka and Myanmar respectively. Among
the Asian countries that affected by frequent natural disasters Sri Lanka
is also classified as a disaster-prone country. The most common natural
disasters impacting Sri Lanka are the hydro-meteorological disasters
which includes floods, droughts and cyclones.

Since no nation is able to stop these impacts, building resilience,
adaptations, enhanced preparedness, early warning and quick response
would be some of the best possible options to handle natural disasters
by minimizing damage. Disaster Management Centre (DMC) which was
established under the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act No.13 of
2005 is the apex body for planning, co-coordinating and implementing
disaster management activities in the country. Disaster preparedness,
emergency reponse, mitigation of impacts and recovery for marine base
disasters are some of the key functions undertaken by DMC.

64 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea