Support us to keep maritime environment safe - Navy Chief

Ravin Edirisinghe

Participating at the seventh annual " Future Naval Plans & Requirements 2008" in UK held from May 20-22 Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda discussed the "overview of current projects and plans of the Sri Lanka Navy, the role of the Sri Lanka Navy in a local and global context and also took the opportunity to analyse the future strategies for the naval fleet".

Eleven leading Naval powers in the world took part in this annual event to share their experience to see that the future plans and requirements are aimed at making the maritime environment safe around the world.

The Navy Commander addressed the gathering on 'The role of Sri Lanka Navy in the local and global context with emphasis on future strategies'. The Navy Commander expressed his views on areas such as maritime interest, role of the Navy (military, politico diplomatic, constabulary, benign), maritime terrorism, choke points and flow of future trade, the economic impact, terrorist groups with maritime capabilities (LTTE and Al Qaeda), emerging threats and the way ahead to examine the future strategies and shaping the right force.

"I can assure you that the Sri Lanka Navy will continue to do its part and we are confident that friendly nations around the world will continue to share information and support us in accomplishing our mutual task in keeping the maritime environment safe and stable. Ultimately, defence of international maritime assets and trade will be the shield created by Global cohesive action, which will ensure that the maritime dimension will never be used to threaten mankind," Vice Admiral Karannagoda said.

Naval heads and experts also addressed the gathering during the two-day session. The Navy Commander also met Sir Jonathan Bands, the First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy.

Leading Navies such as the Royal Navy, US, French, Spanish, Indian, Hellenic, Denmark, Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand and four outstanding experts participated.