"We have requested the UN to grant us the right to expand Sri Lanka's maritime boundaries by 20-fold with much hope", said President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (04) at the launch of the Coast Guard Force at the Galle Harbour.
He said that protecting the coastal belt around the country will ensure Sri Lanka’s sovereignty
and independence.He added that those who think of the national security should necessarily focus on the coastal belt security as well.
President Rajapaksa reminisced that the establishment of a Coast Guard Force was a long felt need.
Human smuggling and drug peddling activities could effectively be curbed with the establishment of a Coast Guard Force, President Rajapaksa further stated.
He added that human smuggling has made an adverse impact on the relations with other countries and hoped that this situation can effectively be dealt with the establishment of a Coast Guard Force.
Some people attempted to enter Western countries via Malaysia and Indonesia. The country faced a series of disasters due to its failure to protect its coastal belt, he said.
He emphasized that a large number of people were trying to leave the country for Australia and Italy by illegal means. The President said this situation was brought under control with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy.
This Coast Guard Force will protect the coastal belt around the country and maritime zone in extent of 21,700 square kilometers and maritime economic zone of 465,800 square kilometers within the country's territorial water.
The Coast Guard Force has also been tasked to assist Sri Lanka fishermen in distress while fishing in the deep sea and provide security to the ships transporting goods and passengers.
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