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NAVSTRAT-2030 NAVSTRAT-2030

importance for natural resources and energy transmission. The Indian Ocean remains a central hub (Colombo International Container Terminal). By 2040, Colombo port is expected to handle 35Mn
for global economic and strategic dynamics as countries strive to strike a balance between TEUs annually.
geopolitical concerns and commercial goals.
The Hambantota Port located within 10nm of the main shipping lanes has an expanse of 4,000
The strong economic rise of Asian nations, especially China and India, has changed the current acres and a berthing capacity of 33 ships at a time, Hambantota is among the largest harbours in
geopolitical, geostrategic and economic environment in the IOR. The BRI of China and the Act South Asia. Despite the controversies associated with its development, it is hard to rule out the
East Policy of India highlight their respective economies as investments and infrastructure projects port’s potential as a maritime trading hub and service provider. The port operations had reached
spread throughout the region. One important factor is the transmission of energy since the Indian 1mn MT of cargo in 2019.
Ocean is used to carry a large amount of the world’s oil traffic. Crucial chokepoints for energy
supplies are the Straits of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb which connects the Indian Ocean to the The GoSL has declared an ambitious development plan for the Eastern province centered around
Persian Gulf and the Strait of Malacca which connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. Trincomalee harbour. Further, the Trincomalee harbour is the 4th largest natural harbour in the
Sri Lanka’s strategic location has positioned it as a pivotal player in regional geopolitics. The world. It provides depth even for the largest commercial carriers. During the colonial era, the
development of key infrastructure projects, including the Hambantota Port, Colombo Port City, British built 101 oil tanks. It has great potential for a container transhipment facility and cruise
liners. Efforts at developing Trincomalee harbour as early as 1980 were stalled due to geopolitics
the expansion of the Port of Colombo and the proposed Trincomalee development plan has drawn concerns that prevailed. Harbour and channel facilities still remains to be developed ensuring
significant international attention. These projects highlight the increasing interest and engagement around the clock port operations. With the development boom experienced and expected among
of various global powers in the region, reflecting the broader dynamics of strategic influence in the Bay of Bengal states, Trincomalee harbour’s strategic significance is about to rise.
the Indian Ocean. A more comprehensive engagement plan is indicated by the strategies of various
countries, including India; ‘Look East,’ ‘Act East’ and ‘Look Africa’. These policies, which Port of Kankesanturai in the Northern Province of the Sri Lanka plays multi-dimensional roles as
emphasize diplomatic relations, economic cooperation and security cooperation with regions an economic port, naval port and a socio-cultural port linking India and Sri Lanka. The
outside of the conventional Western-centric perspective are helping to shape the changing development of this port is one of the important aspects.
dynamics in the IOR as nations turn their attention more and more towards the Indo-Pacific.

The Oluvil port in the Eastern Province, is currently underutilized and non-operational due to
heavy silting that is taking place within the port perimeters. This is the resultant of considerable
Regional Initiatives sand and sediments from the Galoya river delta been swept further southwards through seasonal
In this regard the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Regional Cooperation Agreement on currents and been deposited at the harbour mouth. However, if properly functioned the Oluvil
Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) and the Colombo Security harbour has potential in facilitating the tourism sector providing safe anchorage and berths for
Conclave (CSC) are regional maritime centric arrangements that are pivotal in Sri Lanka’s future leisure craft. Feasibility of the development of a yacht marina cannot be ruled out. Located between
outreach and engagements. These constructs are not military alliances and are centered around a Trincomalee and Hambantota, development of the Oluvil harbour is to be considered advantageous
common thread towards persisting and evolving economic, environmental, societal and maritime considering socio-economic advantage for fisheries, tourism, boat building, local communities and
security challenges and threats in the IOR. Sri Lanka already assumed chairmanship of IORA in related industries.
October 2023 for a period of two years ending in 2025, while it also executes secretariat
responsibilities of the CSC which is to be headquartered in Colombo. These are to be regarded as The existing boat jetty at the Delft island is to be developed into a harbour / yacht marina
vantage points where Sri Lanka could influence policy directions and gain credibility towards facilitating the tourism sector. In addition, this is the furthermost land territory of the mainland
future engagements. Further, the SLN is gearing to partner with the Combined Maritime Force with a substantive community which implies provision of security and supplies for its inhabitants.
(CMF) based in Bahrain in its long-term ambitions of undertaking UN led missions.
The proposed Thalaimannar port is mainly intended to be used for boosting passenger and cargo
Ports Developments and Potential ferry services between Sri Lanka and India. However, this facility can be harnessed for the
The island’s location connects its ports to the global supply chains and Port of Colombo is its harbouring of SLN and SLCG vessels to prevent any illegal activities in the area.
crown jewel. It is one of the busiest transshipment port in South Asia and handles 95% of the
island’s external trade. Thirty percent of global oil supplies and 50% of container ships traverse Anticipated Threats and Challenges
through Sri Lankan waters. The Colombo port alone handles nearly 7 Mn Twenty-foot Equivalent
Units (TEUs) annually. Forty percent of cargo handled in Colombo port are India bound. Further, The IOR will be threatened by several traditional and non-traditional issues. In terms of
the Colombo Port City development project is expected to attract vital Foreign Direct Investments geopolitics, growing competition between major powers, especially those involving the US, China,
(FDI) to a city that is already contributing nearly 45% to the state’s Gross Domestic Product and India may intensify regional resentments and change the strategic environment. Security issues
(GDP). persist due to maritime threats such as terrorism, piracy and unresolved territorial conflicts. Rising
sea levels and extreme weather events are two ways that climate change exacerbates non-
Meanwhile, an extension of the West container terminal in the Port of Colombo is a possibility. traditional challenges to vulnerable coastal nations like Sri Lanka. This combined problem
This on completion is expected to add 3Mn TEUs capacity to the port annually. The China necessitates comprehensive approaches to security cooperation and environmental resilience.
Merchants Port Holdings Company Ltd is also operating a separate terminal in Colombo port

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