The Australian government has handed over a high-performance Stabicraft vessel to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, marking the commencement of Disi Rela 2, the second phase of a joint maritime security initiative purportedly aimed at "combating illegal maritime activity".
The gift was signed in Colombo by Rear Admiral Brett Sonter of Australia’s Joint Agency Task Force and Rear Admiral Rajapriya Serasinghe, Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. Training on the new vessel, which began in May, will continue through July.
The Disi Rela initiative meaning “keeping a watchful eye over the maritime environment” targets transnational crimes such as people smuggling, human trafficking, unauthorised fishing, and other maritime threats, according to Sri Lankan officials. Activities under the program were recently conducted across Hambantota, Dondra, and Mirissa.
“This is more than capacity building. It reflects a strong and broad partnership grounded in shared interests, mutual trust, and a commitment to maritime law,” said Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanage, Director General Operations of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Rear Admiral Liyanage also pointed to the operational boost provided by Australia’s support since 2022, which includes two A-class vessels and three consignments of oil. “These resources have significantly enhanced our ability to counter illegal sea routes to Australia,” he said. He further acknowledged the strategic value of land-based assets such as all-terrain vehicles and road systems provided by Australia to support maritime surveillance and response.
Australian High Commissioner Paul Stevens said the joint effort builds on a 12-year-old framework. “Today also marks 12 years since the launch of Operation Sovereign Borders. Since October 2013, every Sri Lankan people smuggling vessel has been intercepted and its passengers returned,” he noted.
Rear Admiral Sonter emphasised there would be shared training and intelligence exchange between the two. “This next iteration of Disi Rela demonstrates how seriously both our nations take the shared responsibility of maritime security,” he said. Rear Admiral Serasinghe said “Disi Rela represents more than technology and patrols – it reflects the power of cooperation, both between nations and with our communities”.
Australia has long faced criticism for its continued defence engagement with Sri Lanka, despite Colombo’s history of human rights violations and mass atrocities.
