FUTURE MARITIME SECURITY CONCERNS OF THE SRI LANKA NAVY: CHALLENGES VERSUS SOLUTIONS

This thesis explores how the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) can effectively face its maritime security challenges by utilizing available resources and establishing a maritime strategy to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Specifically, the analysis examines security concerns in the IOR, the extra-regional power rivalry between India and China, why sea lines of communication need protection, initiatives to improve maritime security, and why maritime cooperation is important to the SLN. Additionally, this thesis looks at how smaller island nations―Seychelles, Mauritius, New Zealand, and Singapore―have equipped their navies to face the evolving maritime security environment by utilizing available resources. Ultimately, this study recommends Sri Lanka and its navy establish effective security measures by implementing strict maritime laws and drafting bi-lateral agreements with India to counter transnational organized crime. Sri Lanka should also consider implementing joint maritime patrols and a permanent foreign policy in the IOR; maintaining non-aligned status with every nation; building interoperability with sister forces, maritime agencies, foreign navies, and coast guards; and implementing the SLN resources into conventional practices. Finally, based on qualitative research and analysis, this thesis recommends right-sizing the SLN and establishing research and development expertise to utilize Sri Lankan military resources effectively.http://archive.org/details/futuremaritimese1094561216Outstanding ThesisCaptain, Navy, Sri LankaApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited