Page 49 - navstrat

NAVSTRAT-2030

CHAPTER 5

PARTNERSHIPS AND NAVAL DIPLOMACY

Introduction
Expanding our network of partners and improving our ability to operate alongside their naval
forces foster the secure environment essential to a free flow of goods, protect our natural resources,
promote stability, prevent conflict and maintain our neutral stance. Understanding the influence of
regional powerhouses are paramount important for deciding the well-balanced maritime strategy
for Sri Lanka. Even though the influence of the United States all over the world seems to endure,
Russia and Europe may remain important global actors. The economic and soft power of the West
tends to be weakened. Meanwhile, China is booming globally and directing its energy through the
sea. The alliances such as Quad and AUKUS encourage Sri Lanka to strategize pragmatic maritime
strategy in order to sustain the status quo. Consensual engagements are essential for lasting
benefits. Sri Lanka must use the ocean as a conduit for building relationships. The UN, Combined
Maritime Forces (CMF) and other maritime organizations to be rightly tapped and pre-emptive
efforts are imperative for capitalizing on new opportunities. Thus, the force structure and the
capabilities of SLN and SLCG are required to be compatible with the futuristic demand of global
maritime efforts.

Development of Partnerships through Diplomacy
The promotion of free and open seas ensures maritime safety and security while tackling
environmental issues that come directly under naval responsibility. Navy’s operation in isolation
can achieve limited success thus navies are building partnerships with foreign friendly nations.
The partnerships of SLN have grown ever since the Navy was established on the Island. The
country is known for having a non-aligned policy while maintaining relationships with regional
and extra-regional stakeholders. The global recognition for the hospitability and openness of our
country paved the path for booming healthier relationships with foreign navies, Coast Guards, and
other agencies.

The evolving maritime competition in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region opens many
windows of opportunity for Sri Lanka to strengthen its existing as well as fresh partnerships with
maritime stakeholders. The strategic competition of powerful countries for establishing their
footprint creates both opportunities and threats for countries like Sri Lanka. The strategic
competition between the US and China may trigger a conflict situation or an unstable IOR.
Therefore, a bandwagon or taking sides are not viable options. Thus, a balanced approach is key
to remaining nonaligned and presenting SLN as a valued partner for stabilizing the IOR.

Our partnerships grew numerically and the challenge is to develop healthier ones which produce
mutual benefits. The complementary interests of stakeholders can be served through the
partnerships among likeminded countries. The accurate identification of complementary interests
of maritime stakeholders is the primary task and strategizing to capitalize on strengths and
capabilities through interoperability and interdependency is the secondary task.

Naval Diplomacy is unique for an island nation like Sri Lanka in which the country can extend its
goodwill and peaceful stance. Since 2000, SLN has been sending ships on goodwill visits. Sri
Lanka is facilitating port calls for all friendly navies. Since 2008, the country has hosted 646
foreign naval ships.

Ongoing capacity building efforts among friendly foreign countries are in significant growth. The
expertise and tacit knowledge in asymmetric warfare give SLN a prominent role in disseminating
knowledge with foreign navies pioneering Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Special

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