SLCGS SURAKSHA TAKES PART IN EXERCISE ‘DOSTI-XV’ IN MALE’, MALDIVES

The Maldives-India-Sri Lanka Coast Guard Trilateral Joint exercise DOSTI hosted by Maldives Coast Guard formally commenced at Male’ in Maldives on 20^th November 2021. Representing Sri Lanka Coast Guard at this tri lateral joint exercise, Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship (SLCGS) Suraksha took part in the 15^th edition of DOSTI this year.

The exercise DOSTI was held from 20^th to 24^th November 2021 in Male’, Maldives with emphasis on crucial Coast Guard inherent tasks such as Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response and Boarding Operations. The main exercise was conducted on 22^nd November close to the Male’ island with the participation of SLCGS Suraksha; two ships from Indian Coast Guard; one ship, three craft, one air craft and a helicopter from Maldives Coast Guard. Hon. Defence Minister of Maldives Uza. Maria Ahamed Didi, Chief of Defence Force of Maldives, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, Director General of SLCG Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake and Additional Director General of Indian Coast Guard, Virendra Singh Pathania were attended to witness the event. On the sidelines of the exercise, a seminar on Current Maritime Challenges necessitating Coast Guard Cooperation was held on 23^rd November 2021.

Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake, paid courtesy calls on the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Force and the Commandant of the Maldives Coast Guard in conjunction with the trilateral Coast Guard joint exercise DOSTI, and held cordial discussions on the matters of mutual interest and further extending support on addressing maritime issues.

This joint exercise endures a vital tool to further strengthen the procedures in the mitigation of maritime threats and in the development of maritime sectors. The exercises were held adhering to strict health and safety guidelines in the face of COVID-19 global pandemic.