Several Coast Guard ships remain inactive for years, Audit finds

- Repairs continue on two vessels; Disposal process underway for two more

Colombo, Oct 17 (Daily Mirror) - An audit report has revealed that several Sri Lanka Coast Guard vessels remain inactive for years, while others await costly repairs or disposal.

The report, issued on June 9, 2025, details that several ships have remained inactive for extended periods while others await costly refurbishments or removal.

According to the report, five Coast Guard vessels had remained inactive for over six months as of December 31, 2024. These vessels, ranging in use from four to thirty-two years, had been handed over for repairs, but work on some had been pending for between one and three years.

It was revealed that out of the five vessels (CG 103, CG 203, CG 204, CG 403, and CG 405), two have been restored to operational condition. Repairs on the remaining vessels are still underway, while vessel CG 403, which requires extensive and costly repairs, has been ordered to be made suitable for service.

Meanwhile, the report also observed that another vessel (CG 408) had remained in a state of disposal for over four years.

The report noted that due to the high cost of repairs, bids were opened on March 14, 2025, to refurbish and sell the vessel through a Tender Board. However, no bids were received, prompting the department to call for re-bids.

The Auditor General recommended that urgent action be taken to complete the pending repairs and expedite the removal of the vessel.

A Coast Guard officer told the Daily Mirror that repairs on two vessels are still ongoing, with the necessary parts already ordered and awaiting arrival. Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to dispose of the other two vessels.

He said the disposal process for the CG 403 vessel is currently in progress, while tenders have been called for the sale of the CG 408 vessel.