Page 79 - navstrat

NAVSTRAT-2030

CHAPTER 11

FORCE STRUCTURE AND RIGHTSIZING

This section delves into the strategic justification for the ongoing improvement and reinforcement
of a balanced Navy and Coast Guard, with a primary emphasis on their roles extending beyond
conventional naval functions. Some maritime/naval strategies are of grand scale such as power
projection, expeditionary forces or on super power competitions. Strategies also exist to find the
right-fit-force purpose, especially when the maritime forces are smaller in comparison to land
forces of an island nation and in particular underpinned by the realities of the strategic
circumstances and the economic outlook. Though there are no perceived or significant military
aggressions or threats from the sea to Sri Lanka, there is a high probability of our waters being
exploited and exhausted for unjust ends. The residual effects from the ongoing tense situation in
the Arabian Gulf and recent maritime incidents in proximity to the sea lanes of the Indian
subcontinent demand much attention. Certainly, Sri Lanka lacks an ambitious maritime orientation
which is very much visible in the existing inward heavy security outlook. However, our prosperity
lies with the stability of the international system, economies of scales and net external trade.
Hence, this Chapter contemplates how to manage a balanced and effective fleet in the pursuit of
our national interests and collective challenges as a credible maritime stakeholder.

Why Need a Balanced Navy and Coast Guard?

In a period marked by shifting security challenges, maritime forces assume a crucial role in
safeguarding and promoting a state’s national interests. Although naval capabilities are
traditionally linked to maritime security, the imperative of maintaining a Navy with a balanced
fleet and a dedicated Coast Guard with the assessment of new and emerging maritime threats in
today’s ever-evolving global dynamics is a timely requirement.

This narrative, conceptualization emanates from a conscious effort made from an understanding
of the above chapters, appraising the strategic environment, emerging domestic and global realities
and risks involved at synthesizing viable options (WAYS) in the pursuit of the national interests
successfully. This presents our rationale informing grand policy of how the SLN and SLCG intend
to create desired strategic effects in support of the state’s enduring interests. The Chapter also
looks to provide a shared vision, unity of effort and prioritization of the effective utilization of
assets (MEANS), minimizing costs, managing risks and creating opportunities for the SLN and
SLCG in its aspiration of being a credible stakeholder in the Indian Ocean. The endeavour is also
an attempt to draw clear distinction and a rebalance between our classic maritime roles and tasks.
We no longer can be prisoners of circumstances nor blame everything else other than ourselves as
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we transit through the 3 decade of the 21 Century. Way forward is by taking control and owning
our circumstances through accountability in charting a new passage plan realizing the enduring
vision. We need to break ourselves from the past and reassess threats, challenges and risks
involved. We also need to position ourselves to take advantage and seize opportunities presented
and to develop ways and means necessary in the pursuit. Fundamentally, the endeavour is to be
regarded as a roadmap based on pragmatism and critical thinking for a futuristic SLN and SLCG
(versatile & flexible), with lesser burden on our national coffers.
● Core to SLN’s Strategy. None aggression, deterrence and self-preservation in the
pursuit of our national interests and collective aspirations for rule of law, good order
and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean.

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