India-SL Coast Guards meet virtually

Opening an excellent avenue to discuss the continuation of the various collaborations held between the Coast Guards of India and Sri Lanka on maritime security, maritime safety in the region and the issues of mutual concerns, the 5th Indian Coast Guard - Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) high level meeting was held successfully on a virtual platform at the SLCG Headquarters yesterday.

Accordingly, two sides have assured further strengthening of operational level interaction for search and rescue, preservation and protection of marine environment, information sharing to deter narcotics trafficking by sea, continuous professional engagement for experience sharing and revalidated the established operational and communication procedures between the two Coast Guards, the SLCG said.

SLCG Director General Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake led the Sri Lankan delegation and the Director General of Indian Coast Guard Krishnaswamy Natarajan led the Indian side during the virtual high level meeting.

Representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs and Sri Lankan High Commission in India have attended the session representing Indian side, the SLCG also said.

This apex level meeting commenced in 2015 and the inaugural high level meeting was conducted on Sep 8 to 10, 2015 in Sri Lanka.

The 5th high level meeting which was scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in 2020 was postponed in view of the spread of Covid 19 pandemic, the SLCG said.