President Mahinda
Rajapaksa launched the Sri Lanka Coast
Guard Force at a solemn ceremony at the
Galle Harbour on 4th of March 2010.
This Coast Guard Force will protect the
coastal belt around the country and
maritime zone in extent of 21,700 square
kilometres and maritime economic zone of
465,800 square kilometres within the
country's territorial water.
The Coast Guard Force has also been
tasked to assist Sri Lanka fishermen in
distress while fishing in the deep sea
and provide security to the ships
transporting goods and passengers. The
establishment of Coast Guard Force in
Sri Lanka will help curb drug
trafficking and human smuggling
activities in Sri Lankan waters.
President Rajapaksa presented a
scroll carrying the message of the
establishment of the Coast Guard Force
to Coast Guard Department Director
General Rear Admiral Daya Dharmapriya.
Rear Admiral Dharmapriya also presented
special mementoes to President Rajapaksa
and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya
Rajapaksa in recognition of their
service for the establishment of the
department.
