INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF GMCP-UNODC VISITED SRI LANKA COAST GUARD

The SLCG Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) Operation Team of Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) demonstrated their professional skills to all regional representatives of Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on 27^th January 2022 off Mirissa Harbour. At sea demonstration of Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) showcased SLCG’s operational capability for the representatives of GMCP who were represented over fifty nationalities in various regions and countries around the world.

Total 67 numbers of global partners of GMCP were attended their annual training week in Sri Lanka with the assistance of UNODC's GMCP Sri Lanka office and this particular visit is dedicated to witnessing SLCG's training performance and contribution to the regional capacity-building, law enforcement initiatives to secure maritime security, crime prevention and safety in the Indian Ocean Region.

SLCG VBSS operation team is designed for capturing enemy vessels, combating maritime crimes such as terrorism, piracy, smuggling, and also conducting customs, safety, and other maritime inspections. SLCG, being one of Sri Lanka's leading maritime law enforcement agencies, is actively involved in the VBSS Operation for the Prevention of Maritime Crimes around Sri Lanka waters.

Especially, the SLCG VBSS training has been developed with extensive assistance in both instructional and resources from the UNODC to enhance its operational capacity. Last year, the UNODC provided valuable equipment and constant training for the SLCG, and to date, 40 officers and 89 sailors have successfully mastered the field of VBSS operation.

In addition, SLCG facilitated GMCG partners to witness the judgmental training module conducted by the GMCP instructor at Mirissa coast guard base which clearly highlighted the requirement of quick, accurate and correct response with legitimate and essential force in an emergency situation in dealing with law enforcement duties.

All the global partners were fascinated about training provided by the UNODC' GMCP and appreciated the performance of the SLCG VBSS team and Judgmental training module. Eventually, they expressed their sincere gratitude to the Director-General SLCG for facilitating and making the visit a memorable one. Head of the GMCP, UNODC and senior official of Sri Lanka office accompanied the international delegation and the Head of the GMCG extended her appreciation to the SLCG for the wonderful training facilitation, commitment and contribution to the regional capacity-building programme.

Director Training Captain Atula Jayaweera and staff coordinated the training event with the guidance and leadership of Deputy Director-General SLCG Commodore Janaka Nissanaka .