🇦🇺🤝🇱🇰 Australia and Sri Lanka Launch 'Disi Rela 2026' to Strengthen Maritime Security

The Australian Border Force and Sri Lanka Coast Guard have launched the third consecutive year of their joint maritime security initiative, aimed at boosting surveillance, operational capacity, and public awareness. • Scope Expansion: The initiative is expanding its community engagement into Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, following previous deployments in the Western and Southern Provinces. • Key Objectives: Enhancing intelligence sharing and operational cooperation to combat transnational maritime crime, including people smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing. • Equipment & Asset Support: Over the past three years, Australia has donated 24 surveillance drones, 3 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and 3 Stabicraft patrol vessels, alongside establishing the 24/7 hotline (106). • New Commitments: Under Disi Rela 2026, the Australian Government will donate an additional 5 ATVs to support coastal surveillance and rapid response operations. • Regional Impact: Promotes a secure and resilient maritime environment in the Indian Ocean, safeguarding Sri Lanka's coastal communities and national borders.