Deputy Minister of Defence Visits Coast Guard Headquarters

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), visited the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) Headquarters in Mirissa and the Lifesaving Training School in Balapitiya last Thursday (30 April).

Upon his arrival, the Deputy Minister was received by the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (DGCG), Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph. During his visit to the Lifesaving Training School in Balapitiya, he commended the role of Coast Guard lifesavers in rescuing lives and witnessed a live lifesaving demonstration.

At the Coast Guard Headquarters, following a comprehensive briefing and an inspection of facilities, the Deputy Minister reviewed the Coast Guard's Command and Control mechanism, operational coordination, and maritime security preparedness. He also assessed drone surveillance capabilities, assistance extended to fishing and coastal communities, and efforts undertaken to protect the marine environment. The Deputy Minister commended the Sri Lanka Coast Guard for its exemplary contributions to lifesaving operations, oil spill response, and drug interdiction.

Moreover, during a detailed discussion with the Director General Coast Guard, the Deputy Minister deliberated on several key initiatives to be pursued in coordination with relevant line ministries at the National Level. These initiatives include enhancing community based lifesaving capabilities in light of the high death toll resulting from drownings and the absence of a national level plan, addressing security concerns at fishery harbours, strengthening marine environment protection measures, regulating ferry operations, and combating narcotics trafficking.

The event 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.