SLCG Suraksha takes part Indian Coast Guard led NATPOLREX-VIII Exercise

Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Suraksha is participating in the Pollution Response Exercise led by the Indian Coast Guard NATPOLREX-VIII Exercise from April 19-21 in Goa to further regional solidarity through this multilateral engagement with the aim of strengthening coordinated efforts for preserving and protecting the Marine Environment, Indian HIgh Commission in Colombo said. 

 The Exercise is attended by many ships and participants from other countries in the region. 

The participation of SLCG Suraksha gains special significance in light of recent incidents of MT New Diamond and MV XPress Pearl which had greatly threatened the Marine Environment of Sri Lanka. 

It was through the immediate and coordinated efforts of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard along with their Sri Lankan counterparts that major catastrophes were averted, the High Commission said.

“Further, India has been actively involved in various capacity building initiatives like NATPOLREX towards validating inter-agency coordination and preparedness of the Indian Coast Guard with valuable experience sharing with friendly countries including Sri Lanka to promote the vision of Safety And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR),” the statement added.