SRI LANKA COAST GUARD RECEIVED DRONES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE

The SLCG has received twelve (12) drones and the relevant auxiliary equipment from the Australian Border Force (ABF) which will enhance the operational shoreline surveillance and response activities in the Coast Guard. The SLCG is a key partner of the ABF, particularly in its efforts in countering people smuggling and other forms of transnational crime in Sri Lanka’s maritime domain.

The delegation of Australian Border Force led by Inspector Brett Zehnder, First Secretary of Australian Border Force (ABF) officially handed over the drones to Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana Director General Coast Guard at the SLCG Rear Headquarters, Wellawatta on 17^th January 2023.

The gifting ceremony was attended by Inspector Stathi Vamvoulidis, Inspector Phill Kolodkina, Ms. Sally Allsopp, Mr. Baden West, Ms. Shashika Perera representing the ABF and the Australian High Commission and Regional Director Western Region Captain Kelum Marambage, from SLCG. The received drones will be immensely useful in enhancing the operational capability of the SLCG.

Meanwhile, the ABF is also working with the SLCG to provide appropriate training to SLCG officers and ensure that all Sri Lankan requirements on the use and operation of drones are met. Accordingly, two training modules will be conducted by the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System operators of ABF for 14 participants (07 Participants each) of the SLCG at the Coast Guard Advanced Training Centre, Kirinda from 19^th January 2023 onwards.