NEW INITIATIVE FOR NEW ZEALAND COOPERATION

A visiting two member delegation of the New Zealand custom and New Zealand police paid a courtesy call to the Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard (DG SLCG) and the delegation was headed by the New Zealand High Commissioner in Sri Lanka and the Deputy Commissioner.

DG SLCG Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake welcomed delegates and they expressed their admiration to the admiral for the acceptance of the request made for the courtesy call. During the discussion, DG SLCG explained own capabilities, role, task and common challenges in performing duties on MDA, counter human trafficking and drugs smuggling activities. Also he highlighted the possible trends under present situation in the country and type of assistance been receiving from friendly countries, donor agencies to enhance the capacity of growing SLCG.

Mr. Brent Litherland is the Customs Counsellor for South and South East Asia and Detective Inspector Mike Foster is the New Zealand Poilice Liaison Officer for South and South East Asia and they are posted at New Zealand High Commission in Malaysia. Mr. Brent Litherland explained the aim of their visit and inter agency cooperation they are maintaining in performing own duties back in New Zealand.

Both parties exchanged views on mutual interest, common emerging threats and challenges including difficulties facing in discharging duties while highlighting the importance of professional skills and training in discharging law enforcement duties. Also discussed the requirement of information sharing and capacity building initiatives in order to face common future threats in new normal situation. The cordial meeting culminated with an exchange of souvenirs.