Emerging threats in maritime contexts pose significant challenges for countries like Sri Lanka, which is strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean. The nation grapples with issues such as narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, arms flow, and climate change, alongside the increasing use of unmanned weapons and autonomous drones. Following a prolonged ethnic conflict, boosting naval capabilities has become essential for Sri Lanka; however, post-war realities introduce new complexities.
Historically, Sri Lanka has been an important maritime hub, facilitating trade between ancient civilizations from the Arabian Peninsula, India, and Europe. Coastal towns like Manthai and Gokanna served as vital trade centers, starkly contrasting today’s maritime activities dominated by the smuggling of illicit goods.
Sri Lanka has ratified several international agreements, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which established a legal framework for maritime activities. While UNCLOS has upheld a rules-based order for over three decades, its provisions may need reevaluation to address contemporary threats in the Indian Ocean.
Recent maritime disasters, such as those involving the MT New Diamond and MV Xpress Pearl, highlight the limitations of Sri Lanka’s current capability to manage environmental damage and seek compensation. These incidents reflect the nation’s ongoing struggle to effectively safeguard its maritime territory and ecosystem, emphasizing the urgent need for improved maritime governance.
The drug trade poses a significant socio-economic hurdle for Sri Lanka, with former leaders committing to eliminate narcotics during international engagements. However, the increasing difficulty in combating drug trafficking underscores the necessity for international collaboration. While local enforcement can address territorial waters, enhancing investigations beyond national jurisdiction is crucial for disrupting trafficking networks.
The Sri Lanka Navy continues to confront issues such as illegal fishing, particularly bottom trawling by Indian fishermen, which threatens local fish populations and the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen. This situation necessitates a delicate balance in regional geopolitics as Sri Lanka navigates relationships with neighboring India and China.
In response to these multifaceted challenges, greater maritime cooperation is vital for effective counteraction against shared threats. Strengthening alliances and collaborative efforts among nations can help address transnational crimes that tarnish Sri Lanka’s rich maritime heritage and legacy as a significant maritime destination, rather than merely a route utilized by criminals.
Overall, as Sri Lanka struggles with these emerging maritime threats, its historical significance as a trade hub remains at stake, urging a revitalized commitment to enhancing maritime security and fostering international partnerships.
