Esteemed Defence Visit Honours Coast Guard’s Valor in Lifesaving and Security

Deputy Minister of Defence, Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), visited the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Headquarters in Mirissa and the Lifesaving Training School in Balapitiya, where he was received by Director General Rohan Joseph. During his visit to the training school, he commended the role of Coast Guard lifesavers in rescuing lives and witnessed a live lifesaving demonstration.

At the Headquarters, following a comprehensive briefing and inspection of facilities, he reviewed the Coast Guard’s command and control mechanisms, operational coordination, and maritime security preparedness, including drone surveillance capabilities, assistance extended to fishing and coastal communities, and ongoing efforts to protect the marine environment. The Deputy Minister further commended the Coast Guard’s contributions to lifesaving operations, oil spill response, and drug interdiction.

During detailed discussions with the Director General, he deliberated on key national-level initiatives to be pursued in coordination with relevant line ministries, including enhancing community-based lifesaving capabilities in response to high drowning incidents and the absence of a national plan, addressing security concerns at fishery harbours, strengthening marine environmental protection measures, regulating ferry operations, and combating narcotics trafficking.

The visit was attended by the Additional Secretary (Civil Security and Development) of the Ministry of Defence, along with senior officials from the Coast Guard Headquarters and the Office of the Deputy Minister of Defence.