Sri Lanka ratifies ReCAAP

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has deposited its Instrument of Ratification of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) with the Depositary, namely the Government of Singapore on 31st May 2006.

Accordingly, the ReCAAP Agreement having attracted the requisite number of ratifications will enter into force on September 4, 2006, states a Foreign Ministry press release.

State Parties to the Agreement, concerned about the rising trend in the number of acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships, including hijacking and other heinous and organized criminal acts, have recognized the need for greater regional cooperation and coordination among all States of the Asian Region to facilitate the expeditious exchange of information.

Such cooperation is sought to be achieved by establishing an Information Sharing Centre (ISC) in the Host State, namely Singapore, to facilitate the flow of information.

Accordingly, Contracting Parties are required to establish a focal point for its communication with the Information Sharing Centre (ISC). The Contracting Parties are also under a duty to take effective measures to eliminate piracy by arrest of pirates, seize ships or aircraft used for committing the offence of piracy and to rescue victims or victim ships.

The focal point will constantly monitor incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships, and promptly report that information to the Information Sharing Centre (ISC). If assistance is required for cooperation by a Member State from another Member State, the Member State from whom assistance is requested, is required to take effective measures to rescue the victim ships and the victims of piracy or armed robbery.

The ReCAAP Agreement also makes provision to facilitate and enhance effective legal proceedings against alleged criminals, through measures of mutual legal assistance. Sri Lanka's ratification of the ReCAAP Agreement signifies her commitment to support the on-going international initiatives on terrorism and organized crime and its resolve to combat the increasing threat to maritime security posed by non-state actors.