The Ministry of Defence has taken several measures to address key issues affecting Sri Lanka, such as human trafficking to Myanmar and the deployment of war veterans to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) said the National Task Force Against Human Trafficking, which operates under his chairmanship, has taken all necessary steps to combat human trafficking in Sri Lanka.

He further said it has also enabled the country to maintain the US State Department’s Tier 2 status for three consecutive years.

Following are some key updates given by the Secretary of Defence;

• Human trafficking to Myanmar-

Measures have been taken to address the issue of Sri Lankans being forcibly held in Myanmar and exploited in online scams. Our focus has been on rescuing these individuals. Consequently, we successfully rescued 40 individuals and brought them back to Sri Lanka. However, another group of people has travelled to this area through brokers in Dubai, and 54 more individuals remain to be rescued.

In this regard, I have discussed the matter with the Prime Minister and the National Defence Secretary of Myanmar. Diplomatic requests and appeals were made, both officially and as a former military officer, to secure their release. The Defence Secretary of Myanmar has informed me that the Prime Minister has advised to intervene and take all necessary steps to address this issue.

• Deployment of war veterans to Russia- Ukraine war-

There is a concern regarding former military personnel caught in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. We are collaborating with the Ministry of Defence of Russia on this matter. We have also requested the Russian Embassy to notify the Ministry of Defence if any ex-military personnel have applied for tourist visas to Russia.

• Deployment to Red Sea mission –

Given the current situation in the Red Sea, there is now an opportunity to deploy 550 Sea Marshals, and recruitment for these positions is currently underway.

• Resumption of peacekeeping missions-

The United Nations has made the necessary arrangements to resume the peacekeeping missions that had been suspended. So far, a contingent of 301 troops has been deployed for peacekeeping duties in Lebanon, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

• Drug operations-

The three armed forces, including the Navy, have been pivotal in combating the drug menace, through the arrest of drug traffickers and the seizure of narcotics.

In 2023 alone, the tri-forces operations resulted in the seizure of nearly 560 kg of heroin, 3350 kg of cannabis, 5220 kg of Kerala cannabis, 60 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 151,000 drug capsules, and 6650 litres of illicit liquor. 

By July 2024, approximately 270 kg of heroin, 3640 kg of cannabis, 12,720 kg of Kerala cannabis, 150 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 43,600 drug capsules, and 5000 litres of illicit liquor had been seized. (Newswire)

The post 54 more Lankans to be rescued from Myanmar – Defence Ministry appeared first on Newswire.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has vowed that if the economic rights of Sri Lanka are harmed in the Red Sea, the country will stand up for them. 

The President further said that Sri Lanka will work to provide the necessary support to the United Nations organization whenever there are problems with peace in the region and the world.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks while attending the Sri Lanka Air Force Cadet Officers Commissioning Ceremony held at Air Force Base China Bay, Trincomalee on Thursday (Feb 29).

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s historical commitment to safeguarding world peace and regional stability, the President emphasized his readiness to make decisive decisions for global peace. He underscored the responsibility and accountability of the armed forces in achieving this objective.

The night Commissioning parade held at Air Force Base in China Bay, Trincomalee marked a historic milestone for the Sri Lanka Air Force, being the first of its kind in its history. Commander-in-Chief President Ranil Wickremesinghe, upon his arrival at the base, was greeted with pride and respect as he received Air Force honours, highlighting the significance of the occasion.

Sixteen female cadet officers from No. 36, 37, and 38 courses, at the Kotelawala Defence University along with 36 cadet officers from No. 65 and 66 courses, and 5 female officers from No. 17 and 18 courses and a USA 2023 cadet officer were appointed to the authority.

During the ceremony, the President presented awards to 05 cadet officers and one female cadet officer who demonstrated exceptional performance during their training.

Adding pride to the commissioning parade, the Air Force Band delivered a splendid performance.

Meanwhile, the air force paratroopers, who had conquered the Sri Lankan skies, showcased their expertise in the blue sky, executing precise manoeuvres and forming intricate patterns as they presented a culminated in a breath-taking display of golden parachute show.

The event was further enhanced by a vibrant cultural show, adding colour to the occasion.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s full statement at the event;

“Today marks a significant day for the 58 officers gathered here. It’s imperative to acknowledge the invaluable role played by parents and teachers in shaping your lives. Their dedication has paved the way for your journey to this moment. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of them.

As you embark on your roles as Air Force officers today, you are entrusted with a profound responsibility—to safeguard the constitution of our country. Additionally, you assume the crucial duty of providing leadership to those under your command.

Your commitment to upholding the country’s constitution must remain steadfast. The stability and security of the people of Sri Lanka hinge upon your fulfilment of this duty. Therefore, it must be regarded as a paramount obligation.

You must also respect all those who work alongside you and provide leadership to you. Guide them consistently and remain proactive in your approach.

Just as you expect obedience from your subordinates, be prepared to follow the directives of your superiors. True discipline can only be achieved through mutual respect and adherence to authority.

As an officer, it is imperative to fulfil all your responsibilities diligently. Do not cautious away from leadership roles or evade challenges when they arise. If you have a duty to the Republic, it is your obligation to fulfil that duty with unwavering courage.

You are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the country from internal and external hostile forces. Presently, our nation’s economy, social structure, and political system are emerging from a state of collapse. We cannot regress to that era; thus, we must progress forward from here. A significant modernization of the country is imperative for this purpose. We must embark on a swift economic transformation towards rapid development.

We cannot persist as an underdeveloped nation. It must be emphasized that fulfilling this responsibility will yield benefits for both you and your children.

Hence, it is imperative that you dedicate yourself to upholding the stability of the country in accordance with the constitution, ensuring adherence to the nation’s laws at all times. This is fundamental for the country’s development. Moreover, it is essential not only to safeguard our nation from external threats but also to uphold regional security in light of the current international political landscape.

Any disturbance to the peace and stability of the region poses a threat to our country. We cannot thrive in isolation; rather, we must collaborate with other nations and progress together. As a country that has experienced conflict, it is our duty to actively participate in initiatives aimed at maintaining stability and security in the region. Additionally, global peace is of utmost importance to us. Therefore, if the involvement of our armed forces is required in such endeavours, our nation should be prepared to intervene.

Our security forces have played a significant role in safeguarding the state of Mali from terrorism, earning appreciation from others for their efforts. In the event of our economic rights being compromised in the Red Sea, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting them. Consequently, should issues arise concerning regional or global peace, we pledge to extend the necessary support to the United Nations Organization. Preserving world peace and stability, as well as ensuring the tranquillity and security of our nation, are paramount objectives.

Over the next decade, our armed forces will undergo significant transformation to align with the technological advancements of the modern era. In today’s technologically-driven world, our military operations are increasingly reliant on technology, and it is imperative that we systematically adapt to this reality. I hereby declare that you, as members of our armed forces, are tasked with advancing as a formidable military force, equipped to navigate these evolving challenges effectively. (NewsWire/ PMD)

The post Red Sea : President vows action against economic rights violations appeared first on Newswire.

Amid concerns around the suspected drone strikes on merchant vessels, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said New Delhi was closely monitoring the ‘unfolding situation’ in the Red Sea, with Indian Navy ships actively patrolling the region.

The newly-appointed MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasised India’s commitment to the freedom of navigation and the ‘unimpeded movement’ of commercial shipping.

“In on what’s happening, the situation in the Red Sea…we had made it very clear that we attach very high importance to freedom of navigation, free movement of commercial shipping,” Jaiswal said in his maiden weekly MEA briefing on Thursday.

Acknowledging the evolving nature of the situation, the MEA spokesperson confirmed that India’s naval assets were actively patrolling the area, ensuring the safety of the India-flagged ships.

“We are looking at the situation. It’s an evolving situation, and we are looking at all aspects of it. As you know, we have Indian Navy ships patrolling the area. They’re also keeping a watch on Indian ships there,” he added.

Providing insight into the current stance, Jaiswal clarified that India is not currently part of any multilateral initiative or project in the Red Sea region.

“So far, we are not part of any multilateral initiative or project in the area. But we are looking at the unfolding situation very closely,” he added.

The MEA’s statement reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding its interests in the strategically significant Red Sea. The region has seen increased international attention, with various nations actively participating in patrols and initiatives to ensure the security of maritime routes.

Notably, tensions have brewed in the Red Sea after Houthi rebels stepped up attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea as a mark of ‘protest’ against Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Iran-backed Houthis have attacked numerous vessels over recent weeks, saying they are targeting ships in the Red Sea “with links to Israel” in protest against its military offensive in Gaza. The group has warned against sailing towards the area, according to Al Jazeera.

In the wake of the situation, the US announced the creation of an international coalition against Houthi attacks on international maritime trade in the Red Sea, earlier this month.

Operation ‘Prosperity Guardian’ will involve the navies of Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, Spain, the UK and the US. The task force falls under the Combined Maritime Forces, a multinational alliance tasked with defending the world’s shipping lanes. (ANI)

The post India monitoring ‘unfolding situation’ in Red Sea, naval assets patrolling area: MEA appeared first on Newswire.

By Rear Admiral Y. N. Jayarathna (Retd)

Naval assets are tools through which a country’s geopolitical standing is constantly being tested – especially in contested waters.

After Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, the US promptly dispatched two carrier battle groups to the Gulf and the Mediterranean. The purpose was to deter potential anti-Israeli elements rallying around to attack Israel.

Global powers constantly use their naval prowess to showcase their intentions by deploying their naval assets in various parts of the world. Most of the time these naval assets will be used to meet specific national interests. Sri Lanka is no different: it has done the same in the past and will be doing the same in the future.

The Sri Lankan President stated that a decision has been taken to dispatch a Sri Lankan Naval Vessel to Bab El Mandeb to protect international shipping lines from Houthi attacks.

While this statement should be taken with a pinch of salt, particularly with regard to how willing the political leadership would be to invest in these vessels via operational expenses, surveillance equipment, and supporting logistics at a time of dire economic crisis at home, this is at the same time a welcoming opportunity that the Navy should not miss.

Sri Lanka Navy and the National Interest

The Sri Lanka Navy has executed its naval deployments in meeting national interests on previous occasions as well. The then Royal Ceylon Navy was involved in transferring the sacred Tooth Relics of the Buddha by ship to and from Myanmar in 1950.

From more recent times, the Navy embarked on a hallmark deployment in hunting down separatist terrorist floating warehouses from 2007 to 2008. Once the military will and political will synergized, a bold decision was taken to go after the center of gravity of the separatist terrorists. The fleet of coastal freighters engaged in gunrunning and seeking refuge in high-seas at ranges. The enemy felt, wrongly, the Navy would not dare approach these seas.

Then, later, with the looming drug menace, the Navy again went out to the high seas. This time it ventured into the south of the Arabian Sea, in search of Iranian dhows that acted as the mother ships to transfer drugs to Sri Lankan fishing vessels.

Before that decision was taken in 2019, the Sri Lankan Navy sought assistance from the Indian Navy and the Bahrain based Combined Maritime Force (CMF) as the Sri Lankan Navy concluded that the Arabian Sea was not an operational area for them. But when both India and the CMF declined to provide assistance on the pretext of vessel unavailability, the NHQ decided to engage in the operation by itself. The rest is history, with arrests of several mother vessels and Sri Lankan fishing vessels engaged in the peddling of drugs.

In deploying Naval assets, the primary factor to consider is simply, what for? What is the necessity? Is it in our national interest?

In the cases mentioned above, there was a clear national interest, particularly considering that the South Arabian Sea as an area of operational interests. At the same time, for separatist terrorism the vast sea area towards the south and south-east, reaching up to immediate periphery of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone, was an area of interest.

The question to ask here is, would Bab-El-Mandeb also constitute a national interest? This analysis intends to discuss that prospect against the need to balance the cost of operational expenses.

The Purpose of Being a “Club Member”

It would be good to take part in regional naval affairs as these would enhance our credibility and gain us acceptance as a regional partner.

Do we have to go to great lengths to prove this, however? The author believes that we need not as our Navy is already performing a major role that has been appreciated in many naval forums.

We have ensured that our maritime jurisdiction remains safe and secure and have collaborated with all Search and Rescue Regions adjacent to us in coordinating maritime affairs. Further, we are already an active partner in securing the drug routes to Australia, the Maldives, and the BoB region.

The major navies would want to jump into these hotspots not to engage in fighting but to train their men and machinery. How much you learn by operating in these “hotspots” is known by these Navies and no simulation can possibly replace it. It is a matter of operating close to the hotspots but NOT within the hotspots.

In the mid-1980s US Navy learnt some hard lessons in their skirmishes in the Strait of Hormuz when they were challenged by Iranian small boats. The US tactics heavily depended on airpower (helicopters primarily) more than naval power.

In such high tempo, intense, and dynamic conflicts, the machinery and the men behave very differently. In one of several instances, the USS Vincennes shot down Iranian Air Flight 655 on July 3, 1988. The flight took off from Bandar Abbas and was mistakenly identified as a fast-approaching speedboat.

For the USSR of that time, it was the moment of retaliation as Russians had been blamed for shooting down Korean Airlines Flight 007 over the Sakhalin Islands on September 1, 1983. In just days, the US Navy deployment changed as naval assets were withdrawn, and hostilities gradually died down in the Strait of Hormuz.

Are we ready for these kinds of situations? Are we ready to get involved in more international engagements and geostrategic pressures when we have run into a mess managing our own affairs?

History indicates that the purposes of these “extraordinary” decisions to reach out for global affairs are two-fold. On one hand these are distractions from internal political issues and on the other hand, they are situations in which you can be both present and not present at the same time! In other words, they are convenient ways by which we can commit to something through words, but not through actions!

The author, having analyzed the President’s thought process in media bulletin, feels it to be a set of empty words, where the underlying thought may be brilliant but at the same time lacks a proper action plan or strategy. Had the President walked his talked this island nation would not have been like this in the context of global competition dictated by maritime matters.

To operate in these tense waters, our Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) will need new installations in the form of thermal cameras and stabilized platforms, which we have not replaced since 2009. We would need better Electronic Warfare suits as not all our EW equipment is now operational.

On the weaponry front, the OPVs are still capable of effectively countering surface and drone threats. It is a matter of revitalizing the old training techniques we used to counter the aerial threats and potential missile attacks. Any drone or surface vessels that are approaching our own units can be brought under a tremendous “cone of fire” thereby destroying them. 

However, Houthis are sending missiles as well. The asymmetric nature of the warfare has changed a lot in technological terms, so much so that the US Navy is competing with a non-state actor who uses commercial drones, anti-ship missiles, and small manned and unmanned surface vessels.

This is the ideal testing ground for India’s defense industry that has expanded exponentially in recent years, and there they are too. On the pretext of protecting the Indian national interests, this is the time to test how combat effective the radars, sensors, surveillance instruments, and even the new combat helicopters. These situations do not present in this format frequently to be there yet not-to-be there.

The Navy Should Not Miss This Moment

The President’s statement at a time of economic crisis in the island nation is an opportunity the Navy should not miss. Since 2022, there hardly has been any capital investment in the armed forces let alone in the Navy. Despite boasting of a large defense budget, the author has determined that there were lesser than 30% of State capital expenditure spent on defense budgets. Thus, the Head of State’s “wishes” would need to be exploited to the hilt so as to obtain investments in today’s operational necessities.

The second reason why SL Navy should not miss this opportunity is that it provides the Navy with a reason to operate in an oceanic area that has a direct bearing on our battle against drug peddling in the Arabian Sea. The author as a maritime practitioner has come across no regional or extra-regional navy that is interested in intercepting drugs and narcotics in Arabian Sea bound for Sri Lanka.

Thus, it is time we extend our “operational interest” to the Gulf of Yemen and Arabian Sea (though perhaps not in the northern part) whilst amalgamating our national interest in fighting the drug menace from the sea with the political interest of operating in partnership with other countries in the south of the Red Sea.

The only drawback the author foresees is that Sri Lanka will be tagged as a “partner” for US led initiatives, thereby indirectly hinting at a possible association with the QUAD camp at the expense of China camp! The free-media opinion makers will endorse these perspectives, possibly the Indian defense analysts more than our own political leaders!

By operating in the south of the Red Sea, what do we stand to get? After all, if the Government go ahead and invested in absolutely required technological necessities, the Sri Lanka Navy can reach out and operate in partnership with regional and extra-regional navies.

This belies another problem. Would Iran and the Gulf countries endorse our presence? The political thinking in the Gulf countries has changed a lot in the last five years and the global divisions that have resulted from the recent Israel-Gaza War are significant and cannot be simply forgotten. If these Gulf countries were totally in support of the US, we would have seen a Gulf Coalition by now. But do we see any?

The author is of the view that there is a growing tide of global opinion, and this tide is against the US and Europe and not necessarily Sri Lanka. In that sense, the author believes that we need not worry about burning our fingers yet. On the other hand, a country’s naval assets cannot be the sacrificial lamb or the price for political miscalculations – a point that has much relevance, given that history is full of such costly blunders.

Rear Admiral Y. N. Jayarathna (Retd) was the Chief of Staff and Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy and Joint Chief Hydrographer to the Sri Lankan government. On retirement his services have been secured by the United Nations as an International Consultant for Undersea Cables. He can be reached at ynjayarathna@hotmail.com.

Factum is an Asia Pacific-focused think tank on International Relations, Tech Cooperation, and Strategic Communications accessible via www.factum.lk.

The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the organization’s.

The post Factum Special Perspective: Houthis, the Red Sea, and Sri Lankan Politics appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns over the government’s decision to deploy a Navy vessel for Rs. 250 million at the Red Sea to prevent attacks by Yemen-backed Houthi rebels on merchant vessels. 

Addressing the Parliament today (Jan 09), MP Premadasa questioned the benefits to Sri Lanka from engaging in operations against the Houthi rebels.

“What benefit does Sri Lanka stand to gain from spending such a large amount of money, especially at a juncture when unemployment is rife throughout the country, and small & micro-scale industrialists have all been subject to peril,” he questioned. 

MP Premadasa further queried if Sri Lanka has made any such agreements to sort out its debt to foreign nations, stating that, however, the authorities have decided to spend more money, instead of sorting out its debt or utilizing it for the benefit of the public who are facing great difficulties. 

Responding to the Opposition Leader, the State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said that the matter was not related to the USA or Israel, but the effects on Sri Lanka due to the attacks on merchant vessels by the Houthi rebels. 

The State Minister explained that if Sri Lanka’s merchant vessels avoided the Red Sea and used the South African coast, it would result in a severe increase in the prices of goods. 

Stating that this situation severely affects Sri Lanka’s economy, State Minister Tennakoon also clarified that a special cost is not being borne by the government for the deployment of the Navy vessel for this purpose. 

He added that similar deployment of vessels has been in practice as part of the drug, human, and weapons trafficking preventive operations in the international waters surrounding Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

Rs.250 Mn is being spent to dispatch a naval vessel to aid in operations against the #Houthis in the #RedSea. What benefit does #SriLanka stand to gain from spending such a large amount of money, especially at a juncture when unemployment is rife throughout the country & small &… pic.twitter.com/uzn8sSiccu

— Manthri.LK_Watch (@ManthriLK_Watch) January 9, 2024

The post Govt explains reason for Navy deployment at Red Sea appeared first on Newswire.

A Sri Lanka Navy warship is ready to depart to join the fight to protect the international sea lanes from the Yemen-backed Houthi rebels, Navy Media Spokesman Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya said. 

Speaking to NewsWire, Captain Wickramasuriya said the ship is to be deployed to protect the international waters covering the Red Sea, Arabic Sea, Gulf of Aden, and adjacent sea lanes used by merchant vessels. 

He further said that the Sri Lanka Navy warship is being deployed as per the presidential order, but an exact date of deployment is yet to be confirmed. 

Captain Wickramasuriya went on to say that initially one ship would be deployed as part of the Operation Prosperity Guardians, the Naval operation underway at the Red Sea and adjoining trade routes. 

“Discussions will be held and based on the warship’s capability it will be deployed to any one of the sea lanes requiring protection from the Houthi rebels,” he said. 

Captain Wickramasuriya also stated that the deployment of more ships or swapping of ships will take place based on the current requirements and economic situation of Sri Lanka, and a discussion on the matter. 

Stating that there is no additional cost for the deployment of the warship, he said the cost depends on the operation and is similar to the cost borne by Navy vessels engaged in drug prevention raids in the international waters of Southern Sri Lanka. 

Last week, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that Sri Lanka has decided to deploy a Navy Vessel at the Red Sea to prevent Houthi Rebels from attacking ships, blocking trade along the sea route. 

Addressing an event in Colombo on Wednesday (Jan 03), the President said Sri Lanka will deploy the Navy vessel at the Red Sea for a cost of Rs. 250 million every fortnight. 

Pointing out that prices of goods may increase due to the various wars underway, especially in Ukraine and Palestine, the President said ships have also stopped using the Red Sea route due to continuous attacks by the Houthi Rebels and the rerouting of these ships around South Africa will also indirectly increase prices of goods. 

According to foreign media, the Yemen-based militants have carried out at least 23 attacks in response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since Dec. 19.

The Iranian-backed Houthis have vowed to continue targeting vessels they consider linked to Israel and the situation in the strategically vital southern Red Sea is now at a stand-off. 

The Bab al-Mandab strait is a critical waterway through which almost 15% of global trade passes. If attacks continue, the fear is that fuel prices will rise and supply chains will be damaged. (NewsWire)

The post Sri Lanka Navy warship ready for Houthi operation appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka has decided to deploy a Navy Vessel at the Red Sea to prevent Houthi Rebels from attacking ships, blocking trade along the sea route, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said. 

Addressing the ‘Shilpa Abhimani 2023’ event in Colombo on Wednesday (Jan 03), the President said Sri Lanka will deploy a Navy vessel at the Red Sea for a cost of Rs. 250 million every fortnight. 

He pointed out that prices of goods may increase due to the various wars underway, especially in Ukraine and Palestine. 

The President further said ships have also stopped using the Red Sea route due to continuous attacks by Yemen’s Houthi Rebels and the rerouting of these ships around South Africa will also indirectly increase prices of goods. 

President Wickremesinghe said therefore, a decision has been taken for Sri Lanka to join the mission to protect against attacks by the Houthi Rebels.

The President’s statement comes in the backdrop of a final warning issued by the United States and 12 allies to Houthi rebels on Wednesday to cease their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea or face potential targeted military action.

According to foreign media, the Yemen-based militants have carried out at least 23 attacks in response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since Dec. 19.

However, the Iranian-backed Houthis have responded with defiance, vowing to continue targeting vessels they consider linked to Israel.

The situation in the strategically vital southern Red Sea is now at a stand-off. 

The Bab al-Mandab strait is a critical waterway through which almost 15% of global trade passes. If attacks continue, the fear is that fuel prices will rise and supply chains will be damaged. (NewsWire)

President Ranil Wickremesinghe states that Sri Lanka will dispatch a naval vessel to the Red Sea to assist in security operations. The President states that delays caused to the shipping lines due to Houthis attacks will result in further increases in the costs of living. pic.twitter.com/iabsmtWrah

— Dinouk Colombage (@Dinouk_C) January 4, 2024

The post Houthi attacks in Red Sea : Sri Lanka to deploy Navy ship appeared first on Newswire.