Sri Lanka and Australia deepen maritime security ties with launch of Disi Rela phase 2

Sri Lanka and Australia today launched Disi Rela 2, the latest phase of their joint maritime security initiative aimed at addressing people smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats.

The week-long programme includes operational training, intelligence sharing, and public outreach, with events planned 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. 

He said the donation of two A-class vessels and three consignments of oil since 2022 had significantly strengthened operational capacity, especially in countering illegal sea routes to Australia.

He also highlighted support provided 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 longstanding 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 Brett Sonter of Australia’s Joint Agency Task Force said the initiative offers “opportunities to learn from each other” through intelligence training and joint workshops, while raising community awareness of shared efforts against maritime crime.

Rear Admiral Rajapriya Serasinghe, Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, said Disi Rela is designed to support both operational coordination and public awareness. “Our aim is to empower coastal communities with knowledge and the responsibility to report maritime crime promptly,” he said.

Australia today also handed over a new Stabicraft vessel to the Coast Guard. The deed of gift was signed by Rear Admiral Sonter and Rear Admiral Serasinghe. Training related to the new asset will run from May to July.

Additional support, including high-performance patrol craft, surveillance drones, and maritime monitoring equipment valued at Rs 12 million, is expected in the future.

A 24-hour anonymous hotline – 106 – was also launched today to allow the public to report illegal maritime activity. It will operate from the Coast Guard Operations Room at Mirissa.

Pix by Indika Handuwala