IOM Sri Lanka, Australian Govt. partner to enhance maritime communication capabilities

In a key move to strengthen Sri Lanka’s maritime safety and security, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Australian Government, has donated two Single Side-Band (SSB) marine radios worth $25,000 to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), Sri Lanka.

These radios, now operational, provide coverage in the Southern and North-Western coastal areas, significantly enhancing the country’s maritime communication capabilities. This new equipment aids in combating irregular migration, preventing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, issuing timely weather advisories, and improving search and rescue operations.

The handover ceremony, held at Galle Fishery Harbour in June, was attended by Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Lalita Kapur, IOM Sri Lanka and the Maldives Deputy Chief of Mission Dr. Simonette De Asis, and Australian Border Force First Secretary Inspector Paul Edwards. R. Jayasinghe, Assistant Director of DFAR Galle, accepted the equipment on behalf of the department.

Deputy High Commissioner Kapur emphasized Australia’s commitment to enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime coordination, stating, “Improved coordination among local and international partners is vital for ensuring maritime spaces remain safe, secure, and sustainable.”

DFAR Director General Susantha Kahawatta expressed gratitude for the support. “We are deeply thankful for the Australian Government and IOM’s generous contribution. These radios have greatly enhanced our shore-to-vessel communication, which is critical for improving maritime safety.”

The donation is part of the ongoing Sri Lanka Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Project (2021-2024), funded by the Australian Government. This initiative aims to regulate Sri Lanka’s fleet of over 4,000 Multi-Day Fishing Vessels (MFVs) by providing real-time global position reports to a 24/7 fisheries monitoring center. The VMS improves compliance with global fisheries standards, boosts maritime safety, and allows for early detection of suspicious vessel activities.

Dr. Simonette De Asis, Deputy Chief of Mission for IOM Sri Lanka and the Maldives, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “The Sri Lanka VMS project is a pioneering initiative for IOM, aimed at mitigating irregular migration via sea. We are proud to work with Sri Lanka and Australia in promoting safe, orderly migration and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable populations.