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trafficking is the lack of enforcement capacity on the high seas. The phenomenon natural gases and minerals, which are not being effectively utilised. The emergence of a Blue
of illicit drug trade, drug circulation and drug addiction are not new to the country, Economy approach offers a unique opportunity to address complex and interconnected maritime
but it has reached a level which the government cannot further ignore. Not only for security challenges without compromising economic growth. Sustainable economic growth is the
Sri Lanka, but it has also become a serious issue for regional as well as extra focus of the global policy discourse where SLN and SLCG have to play key roles in promoting
regional countries despite numerous counter mechanisms. In the Sri Lankan collaboration in blue economic sectors.
scenario, it is not only identified as a serious social and health issue but also a huge
challenge to national security due to the wide range of associated criminal activities. The Blue Economy needs to ensure maritime security for its growth and sustainability. The
absence of security prevents investments and blue crimes undermine economic development. In
 IUU Fishing. IUU fishing in the Palk Bay area is generally recognized as a contrary maritime security needs the help of the Blue Economy as law enforcement is required to
significant threat to food security, sustainable marine ecology, maritime be funded. The maritime environment is threatened by transnational crimes, marine pollution, IUU
livelihoods, and the maritime economy. Therefore, IUU fishing must be considered fishing and inter-state disputes. Therefore, Blue Economy cannot prosper without proper security.
a significant maritime security threat in the Palk Bay area and is likely to be a threat The mandate of the SLN and SLCG is defence, law enforcement and protection of sovereignty and
in the Bay of Bengal in the IOR. Therefore, it is necessary to implement robust maritime territorial integrity. Therefore, the SLN and SLCG are at the centre of the growth of the
policies to combat IUU fishing to minimize the spread of maritime transnational blue economy. Because in the absence of maritime security, no meaningful economic activity or
criminal activities such as drug trafficking and other impacts of IUU fishing. resources can be exploited from the ocean.

National Economy and Maritime Security Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO)

Admiral Mahan developed a simple yet powerful idea about how a country’s economic success, Sri Lanka Navy performed hydrographic related duties in Island after independence and SLN
its maritime trade and its navy are interconnected. He outlined a logical sequence, when a nation Hydrographic Service established in year 2017 to perform national and defence charting
is active in economic endeavours, it naturally engages in maritime trade, moving goods both along requirement of the country. Sri Lanka had ratified the international convention for the Safety of
its coasts and across oceans. To safeguard this trade, a navy is essential. The navy’s protection not Life at Sea (SOLAS) and according to SOLAS chapter V - regulation 9, hydrographic surveying
only ensures the safety of the trade but also increases its general prosperity. In this way, the need to be carried out to ensure the requirements of safe navigation. Further, Sri Lanka National
relationship forms a positive cycle where economic activity leads to trade, which in turn requires Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) was established on 14 December 2023 by SLN to functioned under
a navy for protection and the protected trade further enhances the nation’s wealth. In the the MOD as the responsible agency for National Charting in Sri Lanka. At present SLNHO possess
contemporary context, maritime security is a collective effort involving various stakeholders facilities to conduct shallow water surveys, including single-beam echo sounders, side-scan sonar,
operating at different levels. The acceptance and implementation of maritime enforcement 3D motion sensors and other relevant equipment. Additionally, it possesses data processing and
jurisdiction by recognized agencies within the liberal international order are pivotal in this regard. Electronic Navigational Charts/Paper chart production software, supported by a skilled workforce
Globally, Coast Guards play a significant role in upholding maritime law enforcement. Their of 37 officers and 131 sailors specialized in hydrographic subjects, ensuring manufacturing of
involvement underscores a comprehensive approach where cooperation among diverse entities is hydrographic products to meet international standards.
crucial for the effective safeguarding of maritime interests and the maintenance of order in sea Another significant contribution is the maintenance of eight tide monitoring stations across Sri
areas of interest often within littorals. Lanka, operating 24 hours a day. This capability enables the publication of accurate tide tables for
the country, serving as the current tidal prediction. The established office is tasked with effectively
Sri Lanka became an important transshipment hub because of its geo-strategic location in the overseeing hydrographic surveying operations, aiming to generate revenue from the maritime
th
Indian Ocean. Supporting the facts, the Port of Colombo ranked as the 24 best port in the world sector through the production and sale of nautical charts/ENCs. As part of its growth strategy,
and the highest performing port in South Asia accordance to the review of UNCTAD in year 2022. SLNHO anticipates increased engagement, requiring the SLN to facilitate necessary human
Furthermore, the huge volume of traffic passing through close to the Southern tip of Sri Lanka in resources and other facilities such as to support SLNHO’s envisions of future expansion by
the Indian Ocean includes 70 percent of the global oil trade and 50 percent of the global container acquiring a hydrographic survey ship with deep water surveying capabilities dedicated to
traffic in which some traffic is facilitating its ports (Ports of Hambantota and Galle) outside port hydrographic survey purposes.
limits (OPL) services to approximately 750 ships per month, primarily in Galle. Moreover,
offshore supply of fuel and gas buoys, Major submarine cables connecting the mainland, proposed
wind farms offshore and many more economically viable infrastructures within port limits and Improved Maritime Search and Rescue System by Strengthening MRCC
construction of Colombo Port City, tourist hot spots including accommodations along the coast The SLN has been entrusted with the delegated responsibility, as per the Merchant Shipping Act
are directly connected to the blue economy and demand maritime security to decide its direction No 52 of 1971, to operate the MRCC within its functional establishment. In fulfilling this mandate,
in long run. SLN personnel are actively engaged in coordinating and collaborating with regional rescue centres,
merchant mariners and all relevant maritime stakeholders. This involvement is particularly evident
Blue Economy and Maritime Security in search and rescue operations where their actions are guided by the International Aeronautical
and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) manual. This strategic role positions the SLN at the
forefront of maritime safety, underscoring its commitment to effective coordination and
Sri Lanka’s maritime zones and continental shelf contain some of the world’s richest cooperation within the broader maritime community. This endeavour would indirectly affect
concentrations of biodiversity and supports the livelihoods of millions of people, both directly and maritime safety of merchant vessels, pleasure craft, passenger vessels transiting around Sri Lanka
indirectly. Sri Lanka’s marine resources also include essential commodities, such as petroleum,
in which boost coastal and adventure maritime tourism.

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