Defence Secretary General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said Sri Lanka owns the responsibility in providing Search and Rescue (SAR) missions in an area of 27 times the size of its landmass and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Further, he said the present maritime environment demands a huge contribution by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Department (SLCG), in terms of policing the area of responsibility. The Defence Secretary Gunaratne expressed these remarks while participating in the virtual Indian Ocean Region Coast Guard Seminar hosted by the Indian Coast Guard in line with ‘Aero India 2021’ as the Chief Guest at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo yesterday. The virtual Coast Guard seminar was held under the theme of ‘Collaborative Approach for Safe, Secure and Clean Sea in Indian Ocean Region (IOR)’. Defence Secretary extended his appreciation to the Indian Coast Guard for organising this intellectual gathering and also extended sincere gratitude to Indian High Commissioner in Colombo, Gopal Baglay for facilitating the great effort.

Source: The Nation February 06, 2021 15:00 UTC