End to monopoly in maritime security

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to end the existing monopoly in the maritime security service by inviting others interested to send in their bids to create a healthy competititon in the field.

Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi told the Sunday Observer the Ministry will welcome bids from qualified maritime security service providers and floating armouries for this purpose.

“There are other organisations who want to bid in as maritime security providers and as floating armouries. If they are qualified to do so, they can apply,” Hettiarachchi added.

A special committee appointed under the Ministry of Defence is currently reviewing the existing agreements signed by the Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited (RALL) and the Avant Garde Maritime Services (Pvt) Ltd., said Hettiarachchi, when queried on the status of the maritime security service currently in practice. According to him the Treasury also has shares with the RALL, therefore it will also have to play a decision making role in the overhaul of the system.

“According to the recommendations of the committee the process will undergo drastic changes ensuring transparency in all transactions,” he added.

Hettiarchchi said the Police complaint made by the Ministry of Defence for not following the correct procedure is under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department.

He said they will continue to provide maritime security services as the government does not want to lose the advantage it has. “But it is operated giving due diligence to the requests made by the Avant Garde Maritime Services Pvt Ltd. if the request are in keeping with the protocols and procedures. If the request do not conform to these norms then we cannot accept it.” he added.