'Lanka needs chopper carrying ships for better shore surveillance'

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The Sri Lanka Navy seeks possibilities of equipping helicopter carrying ships for surveillance purposes in an area 200 nautical miles off the shores to prevent illegal activities and harness resources in the seas for the country's development in the government's bid to transform the country into the Miracle of Asia, the new Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage said.

He made this observation in response to a question raised by a media person at a press conference held at the Navy Headquarters soon after him assuming duties as the Navy Commander following the the retirement of Vice Admiral D. W. A. S. Dissanayake.

He said that Sri Lanka Navy is amply equipped with vessels and craft, however, it is short of a ship with a helicopter on board that many other navies have and a ship with such modern technology would make it easier to prevent human smuggling which is being commendably controlled, drug trafficking and also preventing the emergence of another threat of an armed group in the country.

The Navy Commander said that he was pleased and proud to be the 18th Commander with the blessings of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defense and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

He also said that Sri Lanka Navy, in this new era after the elimination of three decades of terrorism is confronted with two main challenges - one being to protect the enormous resources in the territorial waters in support of the government's attempt of developing the country while making it a maritime hub.

He added that the second challenge is to ensure that weapons are not smuggled into the country which would become a threat to the government.

The Navy Commander also said in response to a question raised by a journalist that the Sri Lanka Navy would further tighten measures to curb illegal migration.

He added that, however, illegal migration has been reduced due to the Naval patrol.

He also added that people do not migrate to other countries due to the political situation or any other matter within the country.