The Navy Takes a Fresh Look at Security at Sea
A special meeting to review the operational and financial progress of the Sri Lanka Navy’s Onboard Security Team (OBST) support operations was held recently at the Parliament Complex, chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).
The discussions focused primarily on observations and concerns raised during the Deputy Minister’s recent inspection of the Pettigalawatta Armoury Complex in Galle. The facility serves as a storage site for weapons and equipment belonging to foreign Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs), whose onboard security teams (OBST) operate aboard merchant vessels with support services provided by the Sri Lanka Navy.
Key matters taken up at the meeting included concerns identified during the inspection, possible remedial measures, the operational and financial progress of OBST support operations and opportunities to enhance revenue generation.
The Deputy Minister issued the necessary instructions to ensure the continued smooth, efficient and effective functioning of the operations. He also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in all related activities, together with proper operational and financial management.
Presidential Advisor on Legal Affairs and Senior Attorney-at-Law Mr J. M. Wijebandara, the Defence Secretary, the Commander of the Navy, the Additional Secretary (Civil Security and Development), the Chairman of Rakna Araksha Lanka, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Sri Lanka Navy, and representatives of Rakna Araksha Lanka were also present at the meeting.
