SLCG HOSTS INTERNATIONAL TRAINING

Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) in coordination with Global Maritime Crime Programme of United Nation Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) facilitated to commence first training module for West African countries (Ghana and Nigeria) at Mirissa.

UNODC sponsored Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Training programmes were commenced on 13^th September 2021 for officers of friendly foreign Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA). Two separate courses of VBSS and VBSS instructor course are scheduled to conduct and SLCG VBSS instructors will assist UNODC instructors to conduct VBSS course at Advanced Training Centre (ATC) Mirissa, Sri Lanka. The closing ceremony of the course is scheduled to be held with the participation diplomats and senior officials of SLCG and UNODC on 08^th October 2021.

The course is comprised with twenty three law enforcement Officers from both countries representing Nigerian Police Force, Marine Custom, Marine Unit, Maritime Authority, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Ghanaian Maritime Authority, Marine Police. This training is considered as a pilot program in such nature and furthering of advanced training capabilities of SLCG in collaboration with international agencies. Further, this training programme will enhance the international co-operation, professional standard and effective utilization of assets of SLCG. This training interaction can also be considered as an opportunity to develop and strengthen international relations between countries in accordance with the existing foreign policy of the Government of Sri Lanka.

This training is scheduled to be conducted in accordance with all health guidelines issued by medical authorities to prevent spreading of COVID 19 pandemic. Director Training, SLCG represented the Director General SLCG at the inauguration and welcomed overseas participants to the programme. Ms. Buddhika VBSS coordinator, UNODC, Mr Craig Lunn, Chief instructor from UNODC and Mr. Ziyau, assistant VBSS instructor also attended inaugural ceremony.