COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Navy has recorded facilitating over 10,000 Onboard Security Team movements through the operation centers of Colombo Galle, and Hambanthota, since restarting operations in November 2015. Since taking over the duty of facilitating On-board Security Teams (OBST) on 13th November 2015, the Navy has Rs. 3.51 billion for the government, the Navy said.
The duty undertaken by the Navy was an extension of maritime security operations in which the Navy gets actively involved in keeping island’s waters safe and secure the maritime commons and freedom of navigation. The facilitation of services includes; embarkation and disembarkation of On-board Security Teams, receiving, storing and issuing of weapons, ammunition and equipment registered with foreign and local On-board Security Teams who operate for merchant shipping companies. The Sri Lanka Navy took over facilitation of OBST duties, following a special presidential directive and the earnings are directly deposited in the Government Consolidated Fund.
