SRI LANKA NAVY STRUGGLES TO MEET MODERN MARITIME STANDARDS

Outdated fleet poses challenges

- DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA

Navy to expand training, acquisition amid capability gaps

By 2030, the Sri Lanka Navy is set to reduce its strength to 40,000 personnel as part of a wider military downsizing

As the Indian Ocean continues to grow in importance as a critical corridor for global trade, maritime security and geopolitical activity, Sri Lanka's strategic location places it firmly within this dynamic maritime environment. With increasing aspirations to become a key maritime hub in the region, the country's reliance on the ocean is more significant than ever.

However, questions are now being raised about whether the Sri Lanka Navy possesses the necessary capabilities to safeguard national interests at sea, despite having a substantial fleet on paper.

Sri Lanka's maritime responsibilities are vast. The country is assigned a 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and a Pollution Prevention Zone; combined, these maritime areas are approximately eight times the size of its landmass.

In addition, Sri Lanka is tasked with managing a Search and Rescue (SAR) region nearly 27 times its land area.

By 2030, the Sri Lanka Navy is set to reduce its strength to 40,000 personnel as part of a wider military downsizing and defence restructuring. The plan also includes expanding the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

The Daily Mirror learns that the majority of these assets are outdated, under-equipped, and in many cases, non-operational.

These vessels are under-equipped and lack the versatility needed for a range of maritime security operations.

The Fast Attack Craft squadron, once a key strike component, is now largely depleted.