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SL Navy conducts feasibility study for Red Sea deployment amidst Houthi concerns

5 January 2024 08:00 am - 40     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Jan 4 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Navy is currently conducting a feasibility study regarding the deployment of a ship in the Red Sea, contributing to the security of the region against Houthi activities, the Sri Lanka Navy said. 

On Wednesday President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that a Sri Lankan Navy ship will be deployed in the Red Sea to prevent Houthi rebels from attacking ships and blocking trade along the sea route. The President also said that cargo ships have ceased using the Red Sea route owing to persistent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The re-routing of these vessels around South Africa is expected to indirectly contribute to an escalation in the prices of goods.

Consequently, President Wickremesinghe stated that a decision has been made for Sri Lanka to participate in the mission aimed at safeguarding against attacks by Houthi rebels. Addressing an event in Colombo, the President acknowledged the challenges, stating that despite the difficulties, Sri Lanka had to deploy a Navy vessel in the Red Sea at a cost of Rs. 250 million every fortnight. 

The President highlighted that the ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Palestine, could lead to an increase in the prices of goods. Foreign media reports stated that Yemen-based militants have carried out at least 23 attacks since December 19 in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza badly affecting the shipping route operations. 

Meanwhile, the Navy Spokesman said that sending a naval ship to the Red Sea is a challenge and they are currently conducting a feasibility study. “ Prior to deployment, we need to arrange logistic supplies. We also require a robust weapon outfit for this kind of a deployment. It is crucial to analyze the threats in the Red Sea area. 

To enhance our vessel’s security, an air defence system is imperative. Identifying specific patrol zones, securing fuel supplies, and establishing collaborations with foreign navies are essential components before deploying a ship,” the spokesman said. He said that discussions are currently underway, emphasizing that a definitive decision to dispatch a naval vessel has not been reached. “We are, however, gearing up for deployment should the need arise,” clarified the spokesperson. He said that the matter is still under discussion, and a final decision on sending a naval vessel is yet to be confirmed. “We are, however, gearing up for deployment should the need arise,” the spokesman said.


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  Comments - 40

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  • Buddhist Friday, 05 January 2024 08:30 AM

    Is this a way to bring back Avant Guarde back into action? Is this another source of income for UNP?

    Mizaru Friday, 05 January 2024 09:21 AM

    Using pop pop boats? What a joke!

    Sam Friday, 05 January 2024 09:23 AM

    Don't get involved in big boys affairs, just mind your own business. Ranil is a bumb sucker to the west. Remember who helped sri lanka during the war. Do the correct thing by our country.

    Roisin Friday, 05 January 2024 11:51 AM

    Now at least the navy can do something useful. Now maybe the navy can proof that all those promotions are deserved rightfully. So get off your lazy butts and do your job you are paid for.

    European Friday, 05 January 2024 11:54 AM

    Remember where all the millions of dollars of charity for Sri Lanka comes from. Not from the Houthi rebels.

    Gehan Friday, 05 January 2024 01:11 PM

    @European, apparently the IMF hands out 'Charity' is that what you are saying??? LOL

    European Friday, 05 January 2024 01:46 PM

    Gehan: have you never heard of UNICEF, USaid, Red Cross, EU charity and many more NGO 's and charity programms from Western countries? Where do you think the billions of Tsunami help came from?

    Gehan Friday, 05 January 2024 03:24 PM

    @European, Wow now we had received 'Billions' in Aid for 'Tsunami ' Proof PLS, Is it like the 'PLEDGES' made for DRC, Haiti? They are still waiting. Arent UNICEF

    Lankaputra Friday, 05 January 2024 09:57 AM

    We have more pressing concerns at home. Let the big powers look after the Red Sea and save our few Naval Ships to combat the drug smugglers. Also the fuel and other expenses for such a mission. Ranil thinks he is a global power - delusional and out of touch.

    Chris Perera Friday, 05 January 2024 10:14 AM

    without a proper air defence system our boats are sitting ducks,Our Navy does not have it,Forget it!

    Sleazy president Friday, 05 January 2024 10:24 AM

    The con artist with another con job.

    aka Friday, 05 January 2024 10:34 AM

    Non of the SLN ships have advanced air defense systems (partly thanks to Indian paranoia and budgetary reasons) that are capable of shooting-down drones and missiles that houthis use. SLN ships are more like patrol boats or coast guard ships in a different country if you consider their weaponry.

    Nilmini Welivita Friday, 05 January 2024 11:28 AM

    The president deserve to be the president of the whole world not just Sri Lanka. May the triple gem bless you.

    Pin gona Friday, 05 January 2024 11:29 AM

    Can't the president get on a fishing boat and check it out himself?

    Trehan Munasinghe Friday, 05 January 2024 11:34 AM

    For the sake of Sri Lanka don't get involved, if anyone comes to these parts blast them off, the Red Sea matter is for those that actually have the means and the naval capacity to handle. Unfortunately or fortunately we dn't. Save that money for the people of this country, we all need it. Priorities!! Geopolitics is one thing, but we need to understand our capacity, and not get involved in regional conflicts. Sri Lanka should always maintain a Non Aligned policy.

    Ranil the waste of oxygen Friday, 05 January 2024 11:37 AM

    Is the president doing the feasibility study on back of envilope? Stop wasting tax payers money and time and just go away.

    Gon ranil Friday, 05 January 2024 11:39 AM

    Idiot president trying to look and sound important. What a fake.

    ahamed Friday, 05 January 2024 11:40 AM

    Not a surprise decision by RW? always joker

    Citizen Friday, 05 January 2024 11:42 AM

    When we have jokers as president,this is the out come. 250 million spent every week for a bankrupt country where 80pct poor people are hungry. It clearly shows he has no brain and heart for the poor or the country.

    Bullet Friday, 05 January 2024 12:09 PM

    Complex oceans related geo political tactics impacting trade opportunities and logistics seems to be the reason President wants to look at this. However he must explain and educate the citizens a lot more when spending money on this necessity as the citizens are really feeling the loss of income and is now concerned about how we as a nation is spending the money. Mr President, please dont live in the future, explain your thought process to the ignorant citizens. IF we are not ignorant we would not have voted for a president like GR or even SP or AKD.

    A Friday, 05 January 2024 12:11 PM

    Using VAT money Stupid idiots. These are our leaders..Who pays the cost grandfather .

    Premalal Perera Friday, 05 January 2024 12:33 PM

    The Houthies will have them for breakfast.

    DD Friday, 05 January 2024 12:40 PM

    RW's approach is commendable. When the war is over, what will we do with our forces? This is a very positive move. In addition to earning foreign exchange, individual sailors will have better pay to upgrade their lifestyles. If we have the know-how and training, we can improve skills. If any corner of the world experiences any kind of natural disaster, we can send our forces to assist. Collaborating with the UN, US, France, etc., upgrading our ship fleet, and mandating training for every sailor will be beneficial.

    Pin Gona 2 Friday, 05 January 2024 01:40 PM

    May be our President has a hidden agenda to use our naval fleet and fish in red sea and sell to Houthie rebels and earn the most needed dollar for our country, these are all strategic thinking which common layman will not understand !!!

    Kalinga Perera Friday, 05 January 2024 02:13 PM

    Don't be surprised if Ranil declares war against Russia or impose sanctions against G7. He lives in a different dream world. Next fun president after Maithreepala Sirisena.

    war.lu Friday, 05 January 2024 02:57 PM

    World at war. For them war shorten the sansara, ease governance and also fill with $something. Save somewhere in the planet to be born again or reincarnation, for human race.

    NV Jen Friday, 05 January 2024 04:48 PM

    Even China and India who have massive imports and exports trade have not joined this force. Why drag SL into untested waters and against an unknown deadly group? Navy need to concentrate on curbing narcotic smuggling activities instead.

    Fahim Mufakkir (Fahim reasons) Friday, 05 January 2024 04:49 PM

    The decision to deploy the Sri Lanka Navy to the Red Sea appears to be unwise. It's crucial to remember the importance of maintaining neutrality for our country's stability. One wonders if the President comprehends the potential risks, as this move could inadvertently invite terror to our doorstep.

    Ranil Saturday, 06 January 2024 12:14 AM

    Correction - It should be a is a FLEECIBILITY study on how to cheat and plunder the country. Sell-out our forces like Wagner mercenaries and make money for the corrupt.

    Wasantha Saturday, 06 January 2024 06:14 AM

    Hey, it's time for RaknaLanka. Show them how it is done with guts..... not like the aragala jokers.

    Mohamed Adham Saturday, 06 January 2024 12:39 PM

    Hey Yo, it is time to get Avant Garde working again.

    KumaraT Saturday, 06 January 2024 01:27 PM

    Seriously? Who will tug the fishing trawlers of SL Navy to the location? Just yesterday it was demonstrated by Indian Navy what it takes to operate in that region. They deployed warships, drones and aircrafts to rescue a hijacked bulk carrier. Who will rescue SL Navy if the houtis take them hostage?

    hawkeye Saturday, 06 January 2024 03:54 PM

    Roisin ... you make me sick to the pit of my stomach. You and your kind really fill me and millions of others like me full of loathing for disgusting worms like you. For 30 years our Navy fought tooth and nail against the LTTE Sea Tigers. Absolutely no quarter was asked for or given. it was the toughest battle against a non-state actor that any modern navy has ever fought. The Centre for Strategic and International Studies reckoned that the Sea Tigers destroyed 30% of Sri Lanka's navy fiberglass small craft fleet. So just Shut Up !!

    Roisin Saturday, 06 January 2024 11:10 PM

    hawkeye: so what did the navy do the last 15 years, except getting promotions for playing cards?

    Charlie Hebdo Saturday, 06 January 2024 11:20 PM

    Reply to hawkeye: killing fellow citizens in a civil war is nothing to be proud of.

    Roisin Sunday, 07 January 2024 08:45 AM

    Hawkeye: so what about the last 15 years getting promotions for playing cards?

    Kathir Sunday, 07 January 2024 02:34 PM

    Mr Ranil are you a really nut Madayan to send these poor Sinhala navy men to Red Sea ?

    Full metal jacket Sunday, 07 January 2024 09:40 PM

    Even before the SL Navy led by the fat badaya Navy command put to sea in their second hand offshore patrol boats. Just think about this. How will a largely untrained SL Navy replenish and re bunker their ships while on the ocean? It's a specialized technique, our fellows are not proficient and we don't have offshore replenishment vessels and the Ocean does not stand still. Moda politicians do it again!

    ANNECUNT Monday, 08 January 2024 04:53 PM

    do not go to red sea this will be the end of your life

    Angel Perera Tuesday, 09 January 2024 03:46 AM

    I agree Srilanka should never get involved it very expensive we can do more to improve srilanka economy and think about security and safety of Srilankan people don’t forget Easter Sunday . We should promote peace Ranil you are putting Sri labka in Danger


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