Sri Lanka Coast Guard Receives All-Terrain Vehicles from Australia to Enhance Maritime Security

On 14^th August 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in the history of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard with the official handover of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) from the Joint Agency Task Force (JATF) - Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB), Australia. The event took place at the Passenger Pier, Port of Colombo, and was marked by an inauguration ceremony that underscored the continued cooperation between Sri Lanka and Australia in maritime security and border protection.

Rear Admiral Brett Sonter of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Commander of JATF OSB, officially handed over the ATVs to Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana, Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, in the presence of distinguished guests including the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Paul Stephens, and Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris, Director General Operations of Sri Lanka Navy. The ceremony was attended by officials from the Australian High Commission in Colombo, senior officers from the Coast Guard, and local media personnel.

The first time acquisition of these ATVs is a strategic move to bolster the Sri Lanka Coast Guard’s operational capabilities in diverse and challenging environments. These vehicles will significantly enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to patrol and surveillance Sri Lanka’s vast coastline, particularly in remote or rugged coastal areas in amulgamation with its drone squadron. The enhanced mobility provided by the ATVs are expected to be instrumental in preventing illegal activities such as smuggling, poaching, and other maritime crimes.

This event is a testament to the strong partnership between the Australia Border Force and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, who have long collaborated on initiatives to improve regional maritime security. Their joint efforts include not only the provision of equipment but also capacity-building initiatives, joint operations, and knowledge exchange to combat illegal fishing, human trafficking, and other maritime threats. The collaboration between these two nations continues to play a vital role in strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing the security of the region.

Prior to handing over ceremony the Commander JATF-OSB, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, Royal Australian Navy and representatives of JATF-OSB called on Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana, the director general of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard at the SLCGS Suraksha at the port of Colombo.