Page 67 - navstrat

NAVSTRAT-2030

platforms can be range from boards to joint task forces or working groups.
Institutions by themselves can offer venues for cooperation, particularly if there is
a common goal. For example, there is a set procedure between the SLN and the
SLAF when obtaining air assets for maritime security. Similarly, it is necessary to
have collaborative platform such as MoUs. Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs)
between agencies.

● Intelligence and Data Sharing. Functional information-sharing mechanism is
fundamental for any interagency coordination and collaboration model to be
successful. Due to limited sea going assets, it is necessary to have a comprehensive
intelligence appraisal on maritime domain where need to have healthy relations
with other stakeholders. As an example, intelligence gathered by SLAF through
maritime patrol aircraft.

● Transparency and Delay in Data Sharing. Commonly there is a problem in
transparency whilst data sharing between agencies. This leads to getting less
information to other agencies mainly due to not having proper arrangement for
sharing data between agencies. Further, some agencies are not aware of the
mechanism of sharing information. This can be minimized by having proper MoUs
between agencies to ensure relevant data is shared without delay. For example,
unhindered access to VMS to the Navy is vital for conducting operations against
drug trafficking, IUU fishing and other maritime illegal activities by Sri Lankan
fishing vessels.

● Mandates for Inter Agencies/ Suitable Legal Framework. One of the main
reasons for relevant agencies for maritime security do not possess good interagency
coordination is they do not possess a proper mandate with clarity and adequate legal
framework to cover relevant sectors of involvement. However, it is necessary to
specify the lead agency when promulgating acts of legal instruments whilst
empowering agencies to execute similar mandates and ensuring adequate legal
framework is established prior to entrusting responsibilities.

● Accountability. Agencies involved need to be accountable for implementing
relevant maritime mandates and act effectively. With adequate communication and
reporting mechanisms in place, agencies should be able to demonstrate quantifiable
results that demonstrate prioritizing interagency collaboration over duplication of
effort and reluctant to share information. Further, this will enhance the sense of
responsibility and accountability between agencies involved in maritime security.

● Institutional Capacity. In order to promote effective interagency collaboration,
stakeholder institutions must be empowered and have their capacities and
capabilities up to the required standard. This is closely tied to the issue of clear
mandates. For each institution to carry out its mandate at sea, it needs to be
sufficiently equipped. In order to contribute effectively to interagency dialogue,
well-trained staff on aspects of maritime governance, regulation and enforcement
relevant to their roles is imperative.

● Strategic Directive. It is paramount to have clear strategic directives for
stakeholders involved in the maritime sector in the country. This could come in the
form of a policy document intended to coordinate the actions of various
stakeholders in the Sri Lankan maritime security framework in order to comprehend
a common goal. To guarantee that all stakeholder agencies’ inputs are taken into
account, a certain amount of coordination is necessary for the strategy development.

54