Sri Lanka’s border and maritime security remained vulnerable, the United States Department of State says in its annual report on terrorism 2019.
Sri Lanka has actively sought assistance on Counter Terrorism issues from the United Nations after the attacks, as well as from key donor countries.
The EU, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and India have all pledged CT assistance – with India offering $50 million to the newly-elected Rajapaksa administration. Sri Lanka is a partner nation in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism.
“The U.S. Department of Defense continues regular engagements with the Sri Lankan Navy Special Boat Squadron and Fast Attack Flotilla to enhance maritime security through the expansion of vessel board, search, and seizure capabilities,” the report said.
It further said that the government is working with the UN, along with Japan, to enhance border management systems at Colombo’s international airport.
“The Sri Lankan government also expanded its partnership with the United States to secure its maritime border.
The U.S. Coast Guard, under the Department of State’s EXBS (Export Control and Related Border Security) program, continued to train Sri Lankan Coast Guard and Navy personnel on maritime law enforcement and security operation.
(LIN)