ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre Conducts Cluster Meeting in Sri Lanka

The meeting brought together senior officers from three ReCAAP Focal Points – Sri Lanka Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Bangladesh Department of Shipping – as well as representatives from Sri Lanka’s relevant maritime related agencies.

The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of information sharing in enhancing maritime domain awareness. He also praised the role played by ReCAAP ISC in combating piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia, and elaborated on the initiatives taken by the Sri Lanka Navy to ensure safe and secure seas in the region.

Mr Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Executive Director, ReCAAP ISC, said. With increased economic growth, more ships are calling on regional ports. I would like to urge the government authorities to commit adequate law enforcement resources to protect seafarers and cargo from opportunistic criminals, and implement tougher maritime laws to deter piracy and armed robbery against ships.”

In addition to various presentations, participants discussed challenges in combating piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Indian Ocean Region. The meeting also discussed the need for ships to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and for shipmasters to maintain communication with port control and law enforcement agencies over the designated communication network when entering ports and at anchorages.

Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris, Director General of Naval Operations, Sri Lanka Navy and ReCAAP ISC Governor for Sri Lanka, said “We have successfully co-hosted the annual ReCAAP ISC cluster meeting. The meeting has provided a platform for ReCAAP Focal Points to share case studies and exchange best practices, and enhanced communication and understanding between ReCAAP Focal Points in the region. It has also allowed the shipping industry to share their feedback and concerns with maritime law enforcement agencies, and jointly explore ways to deter piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Indian Ocean Region.”