Lanka subject to maritime terrorism - Kohona

Sri Lanka had fallen victim to dangerous forms of maritime terrorism. Following the recent defeat of a terrorist group [LTTE], it had been discovered that their networks were being transferred to arms smuggling and drug trafficking on the international arena, said Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, Dr. Palitha Kohona.

He was speaking at the UN general debate of the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) on crime prevention, criminal justice and international drug control.

He noted that terrorist groups with their transnational linkages and multi-faceted criminal networks generated a vast and complex mix of criminal activities, ranging from fund-raising, using overseas bases, terrorist financing, money laundering, arms procurement and other organized criminal activities, all of which were interrelated.

The transportation of large consignments of sophisticated equipment and lethal cargo to provide logistical support to terrorist groups continued to pose a threat to maritime security. Weapons transported by sea were reaching more than one group.

He stressed the importance of achieving global consensus on a comprehensive normative framework for international cooperation on terrorism. Dr. Kohona noted that while international cooperation was required to address the increase in global crime, it was just as important to engage in poverty reduction and development programs.

Human smuggling and trafficking were also linked to terrorism, poverty and lack of social advancement. The Convention against Transnational Organized Crime should continue to be the legal “cornerstone” in global efforts against trafficking, he said.