AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE FIRST SECRETARY MEETS DIRECTOR GENERAL OF SRI LANKA COAST GUARD

In a significant step towards enhancing maritime security and regional cooperation, the First Secretary of the Australian Border Force (ABF), Inspector Paul Edwards, paid a courtesy call on the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG), Rear Admiral Y.R. Serasinghe, at the SLCG Rear Headquarters on Monday, 23 December 2024. Inspector Edwards was accompanied by ABF Liaison Officer, Inspector Sarah Lovett.

The meeting focused on fostering collaboration between the two agencies to address shared challenges such as human smuggling, and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean region. Discussions highlighted the importance of joint training exercises and operational support to ensure the safety and security of maritime borders.

Rear Admiral Serasinghe emphasized the SLCG’s commitment to strengthening ties with international partners like the ABF, underscoring the vital role such cooperation plays in maintaining regional maritime stability.

Inspector Edwards commended the SLCG’s proactive efforts in law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and environmental protection. He also reaffirmed Australia's support for capacity-building initiatives and knowledge exchange programs to enhance operational readiness.

This meeting reinforces the strong bilateral partnership between SLCG and Australian Border Force, underscoring their shared vision for a secure and prosperous maritime domain.