US Coast Guard conducts port security training in Colombo Port to help Sri Lanka’s goal of becoming a regional hub
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has reportedly conducted port security training at the Port of Colombo with Sri Lankan port officials under a programme seeking to reduce risks to American maritime interests and facilitate secure maritime trade globally.
The training programme is part of US assistance towards Sri Lanka achieving its goal of becoming a regional hub for commerce
A statement by the US Embassy in Colombo said the port security capacity building training under the U.S. Coast Guard’s International Port Security Programme was done from February 11 through 13 with more than 25 Sri Lankan port officials.
“The event strengthened the port’s security capabilities through drills that improved agency coordination and the implementation of the port’s security plan,” the statement said.
“Sri Lanka’s improved maritime security will not only provide greater protection against terrorism and other threats but also will enhance trade with other countries, contributing to Sri Lanka’s prosperity.”
The U.S. Coast Guard has stated that its International Port Security Programme seeks to reduce risk to U.S. maritime interests, including U.S. ports and ships, and to facilitate secure maritime trade globally.
“Through reciprocal port visits, the discussion and sharing of port security best practices and the development of mutual interests in securing ships coming to the United States, both U.S. port security and the security of the global maritime transport system are enhanced.”
“Sri Lanka has demonstrated a strong commitment to port security,” Lieutenant Matt Arnold, the USCG’s liaison to Sri Lanka for Port Security initiatives who headed the programme, was quoted as saying in the embassy statement.
“This capacity building programme helped create the security environment that’s essential to increased trade and realizing Sri Lanka’s goal of becoming a regional hub for commerce.”
OSL take:
The port security training carried out by the US Coast Guard at the Colombo Port is an indication of the level of preparedness of Sri Lankan ports in handling trade, which is on a continuous increase. The Sri Lankan government is currently working towards becoming a regional hub for commerce in the Indian Ocean region. The assistance provided by the US government in this aspect is an encouraging sign showing Sri Lanka’s potential of achieving the target. Therefore, foreign businesses/investors could explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s ports and shipping sectors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/18022019/Z_4 |