Seminar on “Countering Maritime Crime – Challenges and Potential of Sri Lanka”

Sri Lanka was at a critical stage in combating maritime crime and decisive action is required, according to the speakers at a seminar on the topic of “Countering Maritime Crime – Challenges and Potential of Sri Lanka” conducted on 2^nd April by the Organisation of Professional Associations. Mr. Vikum de Abrew, Additional Solicitor General, Attorney General’s Department, Rear Admiral Y. N. Jayaratne (Rtd), former Chief Hydrographer and Consultant, and Ms. Dushanthi Fernando, National Project Coordinator – Global Maritime Crime Program, UNODC were the guest speakers for this event.

During the seminar, it was revealed that large amounts of narcotics flow into the country from Afghanistan and Pakistan and are often brought through the Arabian Sea. The speakers also noted that oil and gas deposits have been found in the Sri Lankan sea bed, but were present in sufficient quantities to be commercially viable.