Australia-SL strengthen maritime security partnership

Officials from Australian Border Force and Sri Lanka Coast Guard at Disi Rela 2026 launch

The Australian Border Force and Sri Lanka Coast Guard have launched Disi Rela 2026, marking the third consecutive year of the joint maritime security initiative aimed at strengthening maritime surveillance, operational capability and public awareness across Sri Lanka’s coastal regions.

This year, Disi Rela 2026 expands its community engagement and public awareness activities to Sri Lanka’s Eastern province, following successful activations conducted in the Western and Southern provinces in previous years.

Meaning ‘keeping a watchful eye over the maritime environment’, Disi Rela reflects the continued partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka to strengthen maritime security, combat transnational maritime crime and promote safer seas across the region. Through intelligence sharing, operational cooperation, advanced equipment support and public awareness initiatives, both countries continue to work together to address threats including people smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal fishing and other unlawful maritime activities.

Over the past three years, the Australian government has supported Sri Lanka’s maritime security efforts under the Disi Rela initiative through the donation of 24 surveillance drones, three all-terrain vehicles, three Stabicraft patrol vessels and the establishment of a dedicated 24/7 hotline number — 106.

Sri Lanka Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph said, “Disi Rela 2026 demonstrates the enduring cooperation between the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Australian Border Force in strengthening maritime security across our region.”

Commander Maritime Border Command and Commander Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter AM, Royal Australian Navy, said the initiative reflects the strong and ongoing partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka.