INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE SHIP IN A BOX AT ADVANCED TRAINING CENTRE, KIRINDA

On 15^th August 2024, the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Julie J. Chung officially inaugurated the Ship in a Box project at the Advanced Training Centre (ATC) in Kirinda. This significant event marks a new chapter in maritime security training for Sri Lanka, with the introduction of a state-of-the-art maritime training simulator designed to enhance the maritime law enforcement capabilities of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

Valued at Rs. 116 million, the Ship in a Box project results from a robust partnership between the United States government and Sri Lankan authorities. The project was generously sponsored by the Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Programme of the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the International Criminal Investigation Training Assistance Programme (ICITAP) of the U.S. Department of Justice. Initially proposed in 2018, the project gained significant momentum following the Cabinet approval and constructions was commenced on 02^nd March 2024, after a formal groundbreaking ceremony.

This inauguration signifies a substantial enhancement of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard’s training capabilities, setting a precedent for future advancements in maritime security. Developed by Aitken Spence Logistics, the simulator is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka and is equipped with advanced features to conduct Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) exercises. These exercises are crucial for counter-piracy, anti-smuggling and maritime safety operations. During the ceremony, Coast Guard personnel conducted a professional VBSS mock exercise to demonstrate the practical applications of the simulator.

The Ship in a Box facility is expected to significantly improve the operational readiness of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, highlighting the strong and ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Sri Lanka in maritime security and border control efforts. The event was graced by key dignitaries including Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana, Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard; Mr. Daniel Kumor, Deputy Programme Manager - Amentum; Ms. Diana Scott Marvin, ISN/ECC Programme Manager; Mr. John Gollgy, ICITAP Legal Attaché; Ms. Sarah Ann Welsh, Regional EXBS Advisor; Mr. Janaka Gunawardena, CEO of Aitken Spence; along with representatives from the U.S. Embassy, Aitken Spence, and officers and sailors from the Coast Guard Headquarters.