Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has emphasized the paramount need for Sri Lanka to adopt a national strategy for maritime security, given her geo-strategic location in the Indian Ocean straddling the vital sea route linking the Orient and the West. He made this observation at a meeting held at the Foreign Ministry on 27 June 2008, when a Concept Paper on “National Strategy for Maritime Security of Sri Lanka” was presented to him. The in-depth study and analysis on this subject was commissioned by the Minister and conducted by a Committee appointed by him under the auspices of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS).

Minister Bogollagama highlighted the increasing importance of maritime security and maritime related activities, particularly to an island nation such as Sri Lanka. He further stated that after addressing the Shangri-La Summit in Singapore in June 2007 on regional maritime security, he became convinced of the urgent need to conduct an in-depth study on this subject.

The Foreign Minister said that Sri Lanka could play a crucial role in this area, since a significant percentage of maritime traffic movement takes place in the southern sea of the country. It is stated that almost 90% of cargo and material are transported by sea in the world and this clearly reflects the indispensable need to secure this vital mode of transport. Maritime security can significantly enhance commercial and economic opportunities as well. The proposed off-shore oil and gas exploration would be facilitated by having a maritime security plan in place. Minister Bogollagama said that since satellite communication is a key element in maritime security, Sri Lanka could benefit from such facilities not only in this field but also in the spheres of economic and commercial activity and education.