From February 11 through 13, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) conducted port security capacity building at the Port of Colombo 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.
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.
“Sri Lanka has demonstrated a strong commitment to port security,” said Lieutenant Matt Arnold, the USCG’s liaison to Sri Lanka for Port Security initiatives who headed the program. “This capacity building program helped create the security environment that’s essential to increased trade and realizing Sri Lanka’s goal of becoming a regional hub for commerce.”
The U.S. Coast Guard’s International Port Security Program was established in 2003 to expand understanding of maritime security measures. Implementation of these international standards is a worldwide partnership between maritime nations.
