Page 35 - navstrat

NAVSTRAT-2030

Enduring Operational Challenges of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard
In general, the SLCG is confronted with numerous, complex and hybrid challenges. The following
can be identified as significant challenges for the SLCG;

 The current workforce and available assets within the SLCG are insufficient for
fulfilling their role effectively. Hence, there is a need for a highly trained and well-
equipped workforce capable of adapting to evolving circumstances and responding
promptly and effectively to emergencies.

 The SLCG is tasked with responding to distress calls and conducting search and
rescue operations in diverse weather conditions. Therefore, the SLCG must be
prepared to manage a variety of situations, especially under challenging weather
and sea conditions in the future.
 The SLCG is responsible for protecting the marine environment and responding to
oil spills, chemical leaks and other environmental disasters. These situations
necessitate specialized equipment and training to ensure their safe and effective
management. However, the SLCG faces a notable challenge due to the insufficient
availability of a designated stockpile of required equipment and materials.

 The SLCG is also playing a critical role in protecting the national security. The
absence of collaboration between agencies and gaps in information sharing could
present challenges in effectively identifying and preventing threats to the country.
 The SLCG is facing numerous challenges due to the technology advances. As such,
the SLCG needs to stay informed about advancements in maritime technology and
adjust their training and equipment accordingly. This proactive approach ensures a
swift response to the various maritime threats that may arise.
 The economic challenges within the country may pose obstacles to the development
of the SLCG under current circumstances.

 The existing legal repository of the SLCG is a hindrance to its effective and
efficient functioning and futuristic expansion.

 The transferring of proficient Coast Guard personnel to the SLN before fulfilling
their mandatory service period in the SLCG could potentially impede the optimal
utilization of available resources within the SLCG. Therefore, the SLCG has to
allocate its finite resources to train a significant number of newly joined SLN
personnel annually, in addition to the routine training scheduled for Coast Guard
personnel.

22