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NAVSTRAT-2030 NAVSTRAT-2030

Due to its strategically advantageous location in the IOR, Sri Lanka faces particular difficulties. Non-Traditional Maritime Security Threats
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 The protection of the aforementioned marine security interests is contingent upon the effective
growing militarization of the marine realm. To maintain strategic autonomy and avoid excessive handling of the non-traditional security threat issue. Following are some of the main threats
influence, Sri Lanka needs to exercise caution in managing its interactions with big nations. identified;
Overcoming these obstacles and building resilience against complex threats in the IOR need to
address socioeconomic inequality and strengthen internal political stability. Ensuring  IUU Fishing
environmental sustainability, economic progress and security requires cooperative regional efforts.  Irregular Maritime Migration
 Trafficking Drugs and Small Arms
Sri Lanka’s Maritime Security Interests  Hijacking/ Armed Robbery at Sea and Piracy
 Terrorism/ Maritime Terrorism
Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean is directly linked to its interests in maritime  Maritime Insurgency
security, with a focus on safeguarding its maritime boundaries and maintaining regional peace. Sri  Transfer of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Lanka is an island nation whose economy is largely dependent on maritime trade. Maritime  Marine Pollution
security is of utmost important considering the emerging maritime trade in the IOR and Sri Lanka’s  Climate Change
potential to become a transshipment hub.  Natural Disasters

The idea of an ‘Indian Ocean Peace Zone,’ which sees the area as a peaceful area free from military Hybrid Threats
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  Cyber threats to virtual lines of communication
and economic growth among states bordering the ocean.  Economic coercion aimed at political instability
 Proxy front groups / individuals destabilizing social cohesion
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 Threats to Maritime Economic Security
are; Maritime Safety and Security, Trade and Investment Facilitation, Fisheries Management,
Disaster Risk Management, Tourism and Cultural Exchange and Academic Science and The major threats to maritime economic security are;
Technology Cooperation. The two focus areas are; Blue Economy and Women’s Economic
Empowerment.  Disruption of SLOCs
 Closure of Choke Points
Sri Lanka plays a proactive role in enhancing maritime security by participating in initiatives to  Competition for Resources
combat armed robbery and piracy, safeguard freedom of navigation, and provide assistance during  Piracy
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. Transnational Security Threats Viable in IOR

 Key Maritime Interests. The national interests of Sri Lanka would entail It has been observed that drug trafficking, IUU fishing, human trafficking and piracy are the most
fostering a secure environment for economic growth. In order to ensure this, it prioritized maritime security threats in the IOR. IUU fishing in the Palk Bay area is widely seen
would be in Sri Lanka’s interest to maintain peace and stability in its region of as a danger to food security, the marine ecosystem, maritime livelihoods and the maritime
interest and nurture a stable environment at sea. economy. The next most contentious issue reported is drug trafficking from the Golden Crescent
 Economic Security. Fostering economic security for Sri Lanka in the maritime and Golden Triangle along the Southern sea routes. Other than that, piracy in the Horn of Africa,
sphere would include the protection of trade, energy supplies, and ocean resources. the Malacca Strait and human trafficking in the entire IOR are major transnational crimes
The main components are; maritime trade, ocean resources and energy concerned in the region.
requirements which are essential.
 Regional Cooperation. Sri Lanka is keen to promote regional stability as  Drug Trafficking. Due to the centrality of its location, Sri Lanka continues to
well as bilateral and multilateral collaboration. As a result, the marine domain may be utilized as a transit point for drug trafficking through the East-West sea lanes.
become a collaborative space, with the following; conduct of exercises, setting up Along with the trade of illicit drugs, other illegal activities such as money
of joint task force to assist in tackling natural calamities, ensuring the safety of laundering, terrorism, human smuggling become widespread not only within a
SLOCs and joint effort preventing marine pollution, conservation of marine single country, but in the region. UNODC terms this route as the ‘Southern Route’
environment, piracy, global smuggling, poaching and Search and Rescue (SAR). and it involves the movement of drugs by sea across the Indian Ocean from the
Makran Coast to East Africa and the key attraction of the southern route for drug

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