Page 68 - navstrat

NAVSTRAT-2030 NAVSTRAT-2030

platforms can be range from boards to joint task forces or working groups. However, one of the main dilemma in the Sri Lankan context is that all the ministries and agencies
Institutions by themselves can offer venues for cooperation, particularly if there is do not have proper awareness on responsibilities under their role and task in maritime security.
a common goal. For example, there is a set procedure between the SLN and the There is a lacuna of proper procedures, regulations, or MoUs between inter agencies to handle
SLAF when obtaining air assets for maritime security. Similarly, it is necessary to maritime issues and mostly dealt case by case basis which more time-consuming and delay in
have collaborative platform such as MoUs. Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) action. Therefore, properly laid down procedures and regulations indicating lead agency and MoUs
between agencies. will enhance interagency coordination and avail enhance maritime security. Further, lack of
awareness on others’ capabilities and work areas often leads to duplication of efforts, which
● Intelligence and Data Sharing. Functional information-sharing mechanism is invariably wastes the government funds and time of the respective agencies. Therefore, it is
fundamental for any interagency coordination and collaboration model to be necessary to have laid down the strategies in interagency coordination whilst preparing regulations,
successful. Due to limited sea going assets, it is necessary to have a comprehensive procedures, and MoUs. Some of the strategies that can be used whilst in interagency coordination
intelligence appraisal on maritime domain where need to have healthy relations as indicated below;
with other stakeholders. As an example, intelligence gathered by SLAF through
maritime patrol aircraft. ● Establishing clear channels of communication, maintaining updated contact lists,
and regularly informing stakeholders on ways to foster open communication
● Transparency and Delay in Data Sharing. Commonly there is a problem in
transparency whilst data sharing between agencies. This leads to getting less ● Defining roles and responsibilities clearly helps to ensure that people work on the
information to other agencies mainly due to not having proper arrangement for right tasks, avoiding confusion and reducing the likelihood of duplication of effort
sharing data between agencies. Further, some agencies are not aware of the
mechanism of sharing information. This can be minimized by having proper MoUs ● Using practice and cooperative exercises to improve the abilities of those serving
between agencies to ensure relevant data is shared without delay. For example, in administrative and front-line capacities, as this can reduce the complexity of
unhindered access to VMS to the Navy is vital for conducting operations against resource coordination and guarantee a more cohesive response
drug trafficking, IUU fishing and other maritime illegal activities by Sri Lankan
fishing vessels. ● Regularly checking on the status to make sure everything is operating as it should

● Mandates for Inter Agencies/ Suitable Legal Framework. One of the main and to spot areas for improvement
reasons for relevant agencies for maritime security do not possess good interagency ● Collaborating with the private sector, can offer more resources, knowledge and
coordination is they do not possess a proper mandate with clarity and adequate legal viewpoints in the fields of cyber security, infrastructure development and disaster
framework to cover relevant sectors of involvement. However, it is necessary to relief
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. Agencies Involved
A country’s maritime strategy is a subset of a Nation’s Security Strategy as it traces on the full
● Accountability. Agencies involved need to be accountable for implementing range of interests and activities at sea. Maritime strategy is not just the domain of the Navy. The
relevant maritime mandates and act effectively. With adequate communication and other exercises of state power that mainly included in maritime strategy are; diplomacy, fishing,
reporting mechanisms in place, agencies should be able to demonstrate quantifiable safeguarding and defending the maritime commerce, exploitation, conservation, regulation.
results that demonstrate prioritizing interagency collaboration over duplication of Further, defence of the EEZ, coastal defence, national border security, offshore island protection,
effort and reluctant to share information. Further, this will enhance the sense of and involvement in regional and global issues concerning the use of oceans, the skies over the
responsibility and accountability between agencies involved in maritime security. oceans and the land beneath the seas are also relevant. Main ministries, organizations and entities
that have direct involvement and importance in interagency coordination with SLN indicated in
● Institutional Capacity. In order to promote effective interagency collaboration, Figure 8.1.
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 55