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Sri Lanka leads the region with a new framework to protect critical digital connectivity infrastructure

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  The network of undersea data cables which traverse around Sri Lankan territorial, EEZ waters and connect the country to the world. Pic - ICPC. By Asiri Fernando Sri Lanka last week launched a Submarine Cable Protection and Resilience Framework (SCPRF), becoming the first nation in the region to initiate a process that will bring legislation on the seabed cable network that connects the island to the digital world of communication, services and commerce. The SCPRF was launched at a stakeholder meeting chaired by Secretary to the President, Dr. P. B. Jayasundara on 15 July, the Foreign Ministry said.  Foreign Secretary Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage, senior ministry officials, members of the TRCSL, UNODC and the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka joined the launch.  The move by Sri Lanka, which is currently the Vice-Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) gives the country the opportunity to take a lead role in a critical issue of global importance and be a more proactive glo
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U.S. - Sri Lankan Ex CARAT 2021 kicks off in Trincomalee

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U.S. Navy littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS-18) arriving at Trincomalee for Ex CARAT-21. Pic by - SLN. By Asiri Fernando 24 June 2021, Colombo. - Updated 1300hrs. The bilateral maritime training exercise, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), held between the U.S Navy and Sri Lankan armed forces kicks off today (24 June) in the strategic deep-water port of Trincomalee and off the Island's eastern seaboard.   The U.S. - Lankan exercise comes as the nuclear powered USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) led US Navy (USN) Carrier Strike Group wraps up a two-day training exercise with the Indian Navy and Air Force aimed at improving interoperability between the countries in the Indian Ocean.  The 6-day CARAT-21 exercise, held for the fourth time will see two Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) vessels and several Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) aircraft engage with the US Navy's warship - USS Charleston (LCS-18), its embarked helicopter (a MH-60S from the Sea Combat Squadron HSC21) and a P
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Sri Lankan Peacekeepers struck by IED in Mali

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  Sri Lankan peacekeepers training in convoy protection duties with WMZ551 APCs before deployment to Mali. (Pic by SLA) Sri Lankan Peacekeepers struck by IED in Mali By Asiri Fernando Eight Sri Lankan Peacekeepers injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Mail, Africa last Sunday (13 June) have been discharged from hospital, the Sri Lanka Army said yesterday (16 June). According to the Military Spokesman Brig Nilantha Premaratne, non of the eight injured peacekeepers rushed to a hospital in Timbuktu for a medical check-up were seriously hurt and have been discharged. The blue helmets, part of the 2nd Combat Convoy Company (CCC) deployed to the East African country were injured when a roadside IED struck their wheeled armoured personnel carrier (WMZ551) near the small town of Hombori, in the Mopti region on Sunday afternoon.  After the injured were dispatched to the hospital the rest of the peacekeepers had repaired the damaged vehicle and continued to escort a 44 vehicle
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Sri Lanka to increase surveillance of southern coast to counter narcotics trafficking

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  The Navy with assistance from the Coast Guard and Police intercepted 219.8 Kg of Heroin being smuggled in from the Polwathumodara coast, in Weligama on Sunday (13 June) morning. Eleven suspects have been held by the Police with PNB conducting further investigations. Pic by SLN By Asiri Fernando The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and law enforcement authorities plan to expand surveillance along the southern coast as 219.8 Kg of Heroin was intercepted off Weligama, in the South of Sri Lanka on Sunday (13 June) morning.   According to Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana, the Police were seeking a seven-day detention order to hold 11 suspects involved in the narcotics trafficking incident under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Act. One of the Heroin packets found concealed in a 14.5Kg LPG Cylinder - Pic SLN "There have been several attempts to smuggle narcotics in from the Weligama coast, therefore we believe Weligama to be a key entry and distribution point for narcotics. The Police, Coa
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SLAF revives airlift capabilities

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  Three AN-32B transport aircraft of No.02 Squadron, Sri Lanka Air Force returned home after being overhauled in Ukraine last Friday (11 June). Pic by SLAF By Asiri Fernando Three Antonov AN-32B aircraft of the No.02 Squadron, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) returned home safely last Friday (11 June) evening, after being overhauled in Ukraine at a cost of USD 7.5 Million. According to the SLAF, the return of the three AN32Bs revives their fixed-wing airlift capabilities by 75%. A group of twenty-eight aircrew, led by Group Captain Pradeep Piyarathne ferried the three aircraft back to Katunayake air force base, flying 22 hours, covering a distance of 5078 Nautical Miles and making eight stops, a first for the force. The three aircraft, registration numbers SCM860, 863 and 869 were welcomed with a customary 'Water Salute" from the SLAF fire tenders on arrival ay Katunayake. "Today is a special day for the Air Force and the Ministry of Defence. These aircraft were grounded awaiti
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Joint STF, Air Force mission foil illegal sand mining operation in Mutur

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  Police STF and Air Force RSF personnel prepare to rappelling down from a MI-17 helicopter to intercept illegal sand miners. (Pics via SLAF)  By Asiri Fernando An intelligence-led operation by the Police Special Task Force (STF) and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) on Tuesday (18 May) resulted in the arrest of 56 suspects following a land-air interception of several illegal sand mining sites near Sittar Bridge in Mutur.  The heliborne interception also netted many vehicles, boats and equipment used for illegal sand mining in the Mutur. According to the SLAF, a force of STF Commandos and members of the Air Force Regiment Special Force (RSF) raided the locations, arriving by Mi-17 helicopters, which had taken the illegal sand miners by surprise and cut off their escape routes.  The joint operation was launched based on information obtained by intelligence operatives and following the sites being surveilled by Beach King B-200 aircraft from the SLAF's No 03 Maritime Squadron. The Air Force
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Police commando's prep for waterborne operations

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  Members of the STF's Special Waterborne Operation Squadron display their capabilities at Bolgoda Lake. (Pictures - Police Department)  By Asiri Fernando The Police Special Task Force (STF) had formed a new unit aimed at interdicting crime that occurs on and near rivers and water bodies. The Special Waterborne Operation Squadron is made up of sixteen STF officers who have undergone specialist training from members of the  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and the Sri Lanka Powerboat Association.  According to Police Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana the team will be tasked with combating crime near and on waterbodies around the Island including; sand mining, deforestation, illegal gem mining, smuggling and illicit liquor production among others.  The specialist unit will also be called on by the police to assist them when acting on crimes being committed near water bodies, DIG Rohana added.  Over the last few years, the STF has been called on to perform a broader law enf
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