Defence Asia

  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...

  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 o...