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NAVSTRAT-2030 NAVSTRAT-2030

CHAPTER 2 Despite its comparatively diminutive size in relation to other Armed Forces, the Coast Guard
constitutes a multifaceted institution tasked with diverse roles and missions. The diverse roles
SRI LANKA COAST GUARD assigned to the SLCG, the allocation of SLCG resources necessitates a design that accommodates
not only a singular function but also multiple functionalities. The fundamental nature of the Coast
Evolution of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Guard as an organization is embodied in its versatile and multi-mission resources.
The concept of having a Coast Guard was first introduced in 1998 with a long felt need to enforce  Vision of the SLCG. A peaceful maritime environment whilst protecting the
fishery laws at sea. Having been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, the ‘Coast Guard’ national interests.
commenced its activities in 2001 with six small vessels and 75 personnel under the Ministry of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The basic training of Coast Guard personnel began at the Naval  Mission of the SLCG. To ensure the security, safety and serenity of the
base at Welisara, SLNS Gemunu while professional training took place at the Japanese Coast maritime environment whilst enforcing the law at sea. Coast Guard is further
Guard Training Centre in Tokyo. Six small vessels for the Coast Guard were launched at the committed towards the sustainable management and development of maritime
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fishery harbour in Beruwala. However, less than a year later, on 31 March 2002, a decision was resources.
taken to abolish the Coast Guard transferring all the assets and personnel to the Coastal
Conservation Department.  Duties and Functions of the Coast Guard. The duties and functions of the

The requirement of effective policing of the seas in the present context can be seen as an area Department of Coast Guard shall be;
where everyone needs to pay close attention. The much needed constabulary nature involvement  To prevent illegal fishing in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka and the protection
is required in the present context where the dealings need to be carried out in accordance with laid of fishermen including rendering assistance at sea
down laws and regulations of the country as well as internationally accepted guidelines especially  To assist the Customs and other relevant authorities in combating anti-
when it comes to maritime safety aspects. Naval and other maritime forces such as the Coast Guard smuggling and anti-immigration operations
are playing an essential role in these enforcement efforts. However, persons involved in maritime  To initiate action to prevent and manage piracy at sea
law enforcement should receive comprehensive training within the legal framework applicable to  To co-operate with the law enforcement agencies and the armed forces by
the execution of their respective duties. Accountability measures should be in place to address taking necessary measures for the suppression of destructive terrorist
non-compliance with these regulations. Adherence to the rule of law enshrined in the existing activities occurring in the maritime zones and the territorial waters of Sri
maritime legal framework ensures that maritime law enforcement forces are equipped with the Lanka
necessary international legal tools to effectively fulfil their mission. This approach allows for  To prevent transboundary movement of narcotics, by sea
legitimate uses of the sea to proceed with a minimal amount of unwarranted interference,  To assist the relevant authorities in ensuring safety of life and property at
prioritizing the safety of life and property. sea
Therefore, having identified the excessive commitments and inadequate legal mandate in law  To participate in search and rescue operations for human beings in times of
enforcement of the SLN and the lack of capacity of Sri Lanka Police to enforce laws at sea, it had natural catastrophes and to assist in salvage operations in relation to vessels
been decided to form a separate, empowered maritime law enforcement force. Accordingly, the and other goods after such catastrophes and other accidents at sea
SLCG was established to policing the waters around the island over the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile,  To assist in the preservation and protection of maritime and marine
there is a huge demand for non-military organizations to take the lead role in both regulating and environment
close monitoring of developments in the maritime domain with assistance from the SLN and other  To assist the relevant authorities in the implementation and monitoring of
key stakeholders who are involved in protecting maritime security. In this context, SLCG is of measures required for the prevention and control of marine pollution and
great assistance in the protection of maritime security concerns. The cabinet paper was presented other disasters which occur at sea
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on 03 April 2008 to establish the Department of Sri Lanka Coast Guard. The Department of Coast  To assist in the conservation of marine species
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Guard Act No 41 of 2009 was passed by the parliament on 09 July 2009 and the Department of  To disseminate information including warnings by radio or any other means
Sri Lanka Coast Guard was formed. The operational activities of the SLCG were officially in times of natural catastrophes
inaugurated on 04th March 2010 in Galle. The SLCG is entrusted to deal with a broad spectrum  The performance of such other functions as may from time to time be
of tasks such as maritime security, maritime safety and marine environment protection through the conferred on it or assigned to it, by the Government
enforcement of laws applicable to all maritime zones of Sri Lanka as described in the Maritime Commenced with limited resources and infrastructure facilities, the SLCG aims to strategically
Zones Law, No 22 of 1976 and UNCLOS 1982. Every officer of the SLCG shall be deemed to be institute coastal facilities across the island, thereby bolstering the potency of its fleet units to
a ‘Peace Officer’ within the meaning for the purposes of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. efficiently fulfil prescribed responsibilities and functions. Meanwhile, SLCG Life Saving Training
15 of 1979. The Coast Guard consists entirely of Navy personnel, whose tenure is generally two School (LSTS) inaugurated its training by starting a Basic Level Lifesaving Course on
years. An officer or sailor deputed to the SLCG from the SLN remains subject to the provisions of 12 November 2012 with 12 numbers of trainees and continues to share commitments to improve
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the Navy Act and requisite legal measures are instituted against them in the event of a violation of public safety in and around waterfronts to make Sri Lanka free from drowning. SLCG Advanced
disciplinary protocols as outlined within the aforementioned provisions. Training Centre (ATC) was established on 29 February 2016. Initially, it was named as Training
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Office of SLCG Rohana. On 14 January 2022, ATC was shifted to CGS Kirinda due to congestion

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