AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF SRI LANKA COAST GUARD

A delegation of Australian high commission paid curtesy call to the Director General (DG) Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) at Colombo on AM 19^th October 21. First Secretary Inspector Brett Zehnder of Australian Border Force (ABF) headed the Australian delegation with ABF Coordinator Ms. Shashika Perera. Director General SLCG along with Director Training and Commanding Officer SLCG Waruna attended the meeting.

Discussion mainly focuses on the exchange of training assistance between both agencies and with collaboration with other agencies as well. Both parties were convinced about the possibility of conducting future training in new normal situation under regulated post Covid 19 pandemic situation. SLCG and ABF were mutually agreed to re-establish past interaction and training attempts back on track soon.

DG SLCG conveyed his appreciation for the long-term training assistance extended by the Australian government and ABF for the capacity improvement and infrastructure development of the SLCG since long period. Further he expressed that SLCG would like to exchange possible training expertise and experience on law enforcement activities and counter smuggling with Australian Border Force.

Mr. Brett was optimistic in broadening training interaction and seeking possible training opportunities to improve the professional standard of the SLCG. Further he recollected his memory on his recent training observation visit made to Mirissa and commended the present training progress of SLCG. Also he was principally agreed to provide further training development assistance in capacity improvement and infrastructure development of SLCG and concern given in attracting further training with global maritime law enforcement and maritime environmental protection opportunities with international initiatives. The cordial meeting culminated with an exchange of mementoes.