News
Second phase of Disi Rela to safeguard our seas begins with Aussie aid
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinghe
The Australian government on Monday handed over a Stabicraft vessel to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, marking the official launch of Disi Rela 2, the second phase of a joint maritime security initiative between the two countries.
The deed of gift was signed by Rear Admiral Brett Sonter of Australia’s Joint Agency Task Force and Rear Admiral Rajapriya Serasinghe, Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. Training on the new vessel which started in May will continue throughout July.
The initiative, aimed at tackling people smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats, ran for a week with activities in Hambantota, Dondra and Mirissa.
“This is more than capacity building. It reflects a strong and broad partnership grounded in shared interests, mutual trust, and a commitment to maritime law,” said Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanage, Director General Operations of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Rear Admiral Liyanage noted that the donation of two A class vessels and three consignments of oil since 2022 had significantly enhanced the Navy’s operational capacity, particularly in countering illegal sea routes to Australia.
He also acknowledged Australia’s support on land. “We appreciate the strategic value of the all-terrain vehicles and road systems given to the Navy and Coast Guard. These assets are essential to our surveillance and response efforts on both land and sea,” he said.
Australian High Commissioner Paul Stevens said the cooperation builds on a long-standing policy framework. “Today also marks 12 years since the establishment of Operation Sovereign Borders. Since October 2013, every Sri Lankan people smuggling boat has been intercepted and all passengers returned,” he said.
Rear Admiral Sonter said the initiative provides “opportunities to learn from each other” through intelligence training and joint workshops, while also raising community awareness of joint efforts to combat maritime crime.
Rear Admiral Serasinghe said Disi Rela is designed to support both operational coordination and public engagement. “Our aim is to empower coastal communities with knowledge and the responsibility to report maritime crime promptly,” he said.
A 24-hour anonymous hotline –106– was also launched to enable the public to report illegal maritime activity. The hotline will be operated from the Coast Guard Operations Room in Mirissa.
Further support from Australia, including high performance patrol craft, surveillance drones, and maritime monitoring equipment valued at Rs 12 million, is expected in the near future.
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