Coast Guards expand reach

by Prabuddha Athukorala

The newly established Sri Lanka Coast Guard Force will explore the island's marine resources such as oil, gas and minerals, apart from routine offshore patrolling, according to Director General of the Coast Guard Department, Rear Admiral Daya Dharmapriya.

He was addressing the media on Friday on the functions of the Coast Guard Force in the country.

The Coast Guard Act was passed in Parliament on July 9, 2009 and the Force was officially inaugurated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 4.

The Director General pointed out that due to the strategic location of Sri Lanka, there were many advantages to be gained from the sea. The Coast Guard Force will lend its assistance towards tapping the country's natural resources like oil, gas and minerals.

Alongside ensuring a safe, secure and clean maritime environment, the Coast Guard Department will also be involved in activities such as upgrading the local fishing industry, safeguarding maritime transport, development of tourism and introduction of water sports.

He said the team would also be involved with research on marine activities, offshore installations and ports development. The Department has already proposed a project to uplift the Colombo Port which would enable mega containers to enter the harbour.

The Coast Guards' main office is located at the BMICH premises while another centre operates at Mirissa. By the end of the year, a few more centres will be set up along the Sri Lankan coastline, according to Rear Admiral Dharmapriya.

The Director General invited all interested groups to be a part of this expansion process as they plan to increase the personnel from 200 to 1000 by the end of the year.

He said there is massive scope for development in technological and infrastructure fronts as well.