Sri Lanka Coast Guard and JICS Sign Preliminary Agreement for Oil Spill Response Equipment Grant from the Japanese Government

On 30^th August 2024, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) and the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS) signed a preliminary agreement at the SLCG Rear Headquarters in Wellawatte, marking the commencement of a significant procurement process. This agreement, formalized by Rear Admiral Y.R. Serasinghe, Deputy Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and Mr. Nomura Tetsua from JICS. This is a generous grant from the Japanese government aimed at enhancing the SLCG's maritime oil spill response capabilities around it's waters.

The grant, valued at JPY 1 billion (approximately Rs. 2 billion), is intended to strengthen the SLCG’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to tier one oil spill incidents along Sri Lanka’s coastal regions. The agreement focuses on initiating the procurement of critical equipment, including three vessels integrated with oil booms, a multi beam sonar, and essential oil containment and recovery apparatus such as oil booms and oil skimmers etc.

This support is expected to significantly bolster the SLCG’s preparedness and operational capacity in managing maritime emergencies, ensuring prompt responses to oil spill accidents, minimizing environmental damage, and protecting the marine ecosystem. The signing of this agreement represents a pivotal step forward in the collaborative efforts between Sri Lanka and Japan to safeguard the marine environment.