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NAVSTRAT-2030

Due to its strategically advantageous location in the IOR, Sri Lanka faces particular difficulties.
For Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and security amid major power competition, striking a careful balance
in the face of budgetary restrictions becomes essential. Security concerns are heightened by the
growing militarization of the marine realm. To maintain strategic autonomy and avoid excessive
influence, Sri Lanka needs to exercise caution in managing its interactions with big nations.
Overcoming these obstacles and building resilience against complex threats in the IOR need to
address socioeconomic inequality and strengthen internal political stability. Ensuring
environmental sustainability, economic progress and security requires cooperative regional efforts.

Sri Lanka’s Maritime Security Interests

Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean is directly linked to its interests in maritime
security, with a focus on safeguarding its maritime boundaries and maintaining regional peace. Sri
Lanka is an island nation whose economy is largely dependent on maritime trade. Maritime
security is of utmost important considering the emerging maritime trade in the IOR and Sri Lanka’s
potential to become a transshipment hub.

The idea of an ‘Indian Ocean Peace Zone,’ which sees the area as a peaceful area free from military
rivalries and wars, has received backing from Sri Lanka. The concept is in line with Sri Lanka’s
dedication to upholding a stable and peaceful maritime environment, encouraging collaboration
and economic growth among states bordering the ocean.

The nations that about the Indian Ocean are known as littoral states and they are vital in
determining the nature of maritime security. Working along with these surrounding countries, Sri
Lanka takes an active position in regional forums like the IORA. The six priority areas of IORA
are; Maritime Safety and Security, Trade and Investment Facilitation, Fisheries Management,
Disaster Risk Management, Tourism and Cultural Exchange and Academic Science and
Technology Cooperation. The two focus areas are; Blue Economy and Women’s Economic
Empowerment.

Sri Lanka plays a proactive role in enhancing maritime security by participating in initiatives to
combat armed robbery and piracy, safeguard freedom of navigation, and provide assistance during
natural disasters. Its strategic location has enabled Sri Lanka to collaborate with key maritime
stakeholders, strengthening its ability to protect national maritime interests while contributing to
stability and security across the IOR.

 Key Maritime Interests. The national interests of Sri Lanka would entail
fostering a secure environment for economic growth. In order to ensure this, it
would be in Sri Lanka’s interest to maintain peace and stability in its region of
interest and nurture a stable environment at sea.
 Economic Security. Fostering economic security for Sri Lanka in the maritime
sphere would include the protection of trade, energy supplies, and ocean resources.
The main components are; maritime trade, ocean resources and energy
requirements which are essential.
 Regional Cooperation. Sri Lanka is keen to promote regional stability as
well as bilateral and multilateral collaboration. As a result, the marine domain may
become a collaborative space, with the following; conduct of exercises, setting up
of joint task force to assist in tackling natural calamities, ensuring the safety of
SLOCs and joint effort preventing marine pollution, conservation of marine
environment, piracy, global smuggling, poaching and Search and Rescue (SAR).

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