Abstract:
This paper traces the geographical and strategical importance of Sri Lanka in the Indian
Ocean with special emphasis on early trade in Sri Lanka before the arrival of colonial
powers in the 17th century.
This paper also consider the ocean resources in the exclusive Economic Zone of Sri
Lanka and the further extension of the EEZ by delineation of the outer edge of the
continental shelf by the year 2009 under the UNCLOSE. This new area is supposed to
be rich of hydrocarbons, millions of years.
Sri Lanka Maritime strategy should not be limited only be limited only to curb LTTE
activities at sea and the coastal areas. The role of the Sri Lanka Navy should be limited
only to costal surveillance. We should be able to guard our off shore resources specially
so with acquiring more off shore sea area and possibility of detecting oil in our sea area.
With the implementation of the Seethe Samudram ship canal project by the government
of India the maritime environment has taken a turn in trade, marine environment and
defense related issues. Sri Lanka s Maritime strategy has to cater for this new
development as well.
The future of our country could depend heavily on exploitation of ocean resources,
renewable as well as non renewable. Therefore, our maritime strategy should be
capable of protecting those agencies exploiting such resources and assisting in
collecting scientific data which would assist in such exploitation projects. Being the
guarding of the sea, Sri Lanka Navy has to playa major role in the Maritime strategy of
Sri Lanka. This paper examines and suggests a development of a maritime strategy
commensurate with our future maritime objectives and the role of the Sri Lankan Navy.
