Navy to deploy second ship to ensure Indian Ocean security; first ship returns
The Navy will be deploying a naval ship for the second time as part of the operation to maintain maritime security in international waters.
The Navy Media Director, Captain Dayan Wickremesuriya, told the Sunday Times that the first Sri Lanka vessel deployed on maritime security patrol had completed its mission and returned to Sri Lanka two days ago.
He said the Navy deployed SMS Gajaba with a 100-strong crew to ensure security for merchant and fishing vessels and prevent drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean region in collaboration with the combined maritime force.
Pointing out that the Arabian Sea was known for piracy, he said Sri Lankan naval ships were being sent to the area to ensure freedom of navigation for merchants and fishing vessels.
Captain Wickremesuriya said that they were planning to deploy a second ship for an international security operation, but he was unable to disclose further details such as the date and time of deployment.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe also mentioned on two occasions that Sri Lanka has made arrangements to deploy the Navy for the security of the Red Sea.
The president emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation as he delivered a speech at the Navy’s Presidential Fleet Review on Friday at Trincomalee Harbour.
“We have made arrangements to deploy our navy for the security of the Red Sea,” he said.
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The President said Sri Lanka should ensure the security of the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to protect the economic value of our ports.
Also during his address at the Pathfinder Foundation’s Indian Ocean Security Conference on Wednesday, the President highlighted that Sri Lanka’s commitment to freedom of navigation had prompted the country to engage in operations as guardians of prosperity in the Red Sea.
The President also underscored the significance of the Suez Canal. Recalling how its closure for almost eight years after the 1967 Arab-Israeli war negatively impacted the Colombo port, he emphasised the necessity of ensuring unrestricted navigation.
The President said Sri Lanka should ensure the security of the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to protect the economic value of our ports.