THE JAPANESE AMBASSADOR TO SRI LANKA GRACED THE HANDING OVER CEREMONY OF RHIB FOR THE SRI LANKA COAST GUARD

As a part of continuous capacity improvement support, the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) of United Nations Office On Drugs and Crime (UNODC) initiated donation of a Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG). The collaboration of SLCG and UNODC was grown in the recent past and conducted number of local and regional training activities successfully. The donation of RHIB and related equipment were example of further strengthening training cooperation between two agencies. SLCG Headquarters (HQ) arranged a formal handed over/ taking over ceremony of donation at SLCG HQ, Mirissa on 26^th Nov 2021 with the participation of The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka His Excellency Mizukoshi Hideaki, Head of GMCP, UNODC Mr. Alan Cole and Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake.

Director General-SLCG welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka His Excellency Mizukoshi Hideaki, at his office and engaged with cordial discussion. Head of GMCP, UNODC Mr. Alan Cole, Deputy Director General SLCG Commodore NMJD Nissanka and Counsellor of the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka Mr. Kawakami Takayuki were present in the discussion and they discussed several matters related to maritime corporation and bilateral importance to develop partnerships in pursuit of common challenges in the maritime domain. Director-General SLCG presented a memento to the HE Ambassador to mark this memorable occasion.

Above senior officials joined with the UNODC and SLCG senior representatives for the handing over ceremony at the Advanced Training Centre, Coast Guard Headquarters, Mirissa. The RHIB is 8.5 meter long and has designed to carry up to 10 crew members and it is worth over 190000 USD. Further RHIB is fitted with two 200 Hp out board motors, capable of operating maximum speed of 45 knots and endurance of 30NM. This highly maneuverable boat has storages facility for VBSS equipment, Communication set, GPS navigation system and user friendly operator console.

DG SLCG welcomed all distinguished guest at his welcome note and thankfully appreciated the various infrastructure and training assistance received through the Government of Japan, Japan Coast Guard, Japan International Cooperation Agency and UNODC from the inception of the SLCG. DG also highlighted the importance of the receipt as only platform in this nature, relevance and effective implementation of maritime security policies that swiftly address emerging maritime challenges.

Addressing the gathering, the head of GMCP, UNODC Mr. Alan Cole expressed the significant importance of the VBSS mission in the face of emerging maritime challenges in the region and appreciated SLCG's core competencies for VBSS training to enhance the regional capacity building program of UNODC. Further, he appreciated the invaluable assistance rendered by the government of Japan and Sri Lanka to strengthening Maritime Law Enforcement capabilities and capacities to counter transnational crimes in the region along with the GMCP. Further, he emphasized the requirement of cooperation, common understanding and strong relationship with UNODC, Japan and Sri Lanka to face future challenges.

The keynote address was delivered by the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka His Excellency Mizukoshi Hideaki and he indicated the geographical importance of Sri Lanka and the maintaining of a peaceful maritime environment in the region. He appreciated the steady progress of collaborative training activities conducted by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and GMCP to establish a secure maritime environment in the region which has a direct impact on the global economy. Finally, His Excellency Mizukoshi Hideaki stated that Japan is looking forward to continuing its maritime partnership with Sri Lanka to establish a secure and prosperous maritime environment in Indian Ocean Region.

The Signing of handing over documents took placed between the DG SLCG and head of GMCP, UNODC Mr. Alan Cole and exchanged handing over certificates. Upon completion of handing over the documents, HE Ambassador was pleased to visit Mirissa harbour to inspect and have first hand experience onboard RHIB ride in Weligambay.

Moreover, the SLCG has demonstrated its contribution to regional capacity building through the VBSS and other related training program with partnership of the UNODC. Hence, receipt of RHIB is an added advantage in delivering extended training on maritime law enforcement training modules not only for Sri Lanka Coast Guard but also for Law enforcement agencies such as Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nigeria and Ghana in subsequent UNODC training programs.

As leading organization responsible for ensuring a safe and securing maritime domain in Sri Lanka, the SLCG has been gaining recognition in the areas of VBSS operation. Therefore, it is essential for SLCG to be equipped with necessary capabilities, boats with high maneuverability and operational capabilities to tackle maritime security challenges at present and in the future.Moreover, the SLCG has demonstrated its contribution to regional capacity building through the VBSS and other related training program with partnership of the UNODC. Hence, receipt of RHIB is an added advantage in delivering extended training on maritime law enforcement training modules not only for Sri Lanka Coast Guard but also for Law enforcement agencies such as Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nigeria and Ghana in subsequent UNODC training programs.