Sri Lanka has unveiled its 2030 Maritime Strategy, a roadmap for modernising its navy amid financial constraints. Instead of acquiring new vessels, the strategy prioritises upgrading existing naval assets, focusing on extending their lifespan and effectiveness. Key initiatives include:
Enhancing Core Capabilities: Improving navigation, communication, weaponry, and machinery on existing ships.
Strengthening Underwater Detection: Investing in sonar and sensor technology to counter underwater threats.
Diversifying the Fleet: Introducing multi-mission vessels equipped with stealth features, advanced sensors, and long-range strike capabilities.
Improving Maintenance Facilities: Acquiring a floating dock to reduce dependency on external repair facilities.
Embracing Unmanned Technologies: Deploying Unmanned Aerial and Underwater Vehicles (UAVs & UUVs) to improve surveillance and reconnaissance.
These modernisation efforts aim to strengthen the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) against evolving regional maritime threats.
Leveraging Air Power through Collaboration
The SLN has historically faced challenges in maintaining an independent air wing. To overcome this, the strategy recommends joint operations with the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) are currently equipped with helipads but lack airborne assets. By acquiring maritime patrol helicopters and using SLAF pilots, the SLN could significantly expand its surveillance and operational reach in Sri Lanka’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Learning from Past Setbacks
Sri Lanka’s ambitious indigenous warship-building programme, which aimed to reduce reliance on foreign acquisitions, faced setbacks due to financial constraints.
The plan, initiated in 2019 under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, envisioned replacing aging vessels with modern warships built locally. However, due to lack of sustained government funding, only 8 out of the planned 20 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) were completed.
The failure of this project highlights a critical lesson: naval modernisation requires stable financial commitment and long-term strategic planning.
Without such support, Sri Lanka risks falling behind in the global naval tech race, where other nations are rapidly integrating digital navigation systems, autonomous technologies, and advanced surveillance tools.
Call for Immediate Action
Sri Lanka’s maritime security is at risk due to outdated naval systems and stalled indigenous shipbuilding efforts. The 2030 Maritime Strategy stresses the urgent need for:
*Reviving Indigenous Shipbuilding: Relaunching cost-effective domestic warship production.
*Upgrading Integrated Systems: Modernising onboard navigation, communication, and weaponry.
*Enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness: Deploying cutting-edge surveillance and unmanned technologies.
*Strengthening Inter-Service Cooperation: Leveraging SLAF resources to extend naval operational capacity.
Every delay in modernisation widens the technological gap, leaving Sri Lanka vulnerable in an era where regional naval powers are advancing rapidly. The government, policymakers, and naval leadership must act decisively to ensure that Sri Lanka’s maritime security remains robust.
As maritime strategist Geoffrey Till emphasises, a successful navy must balance technology, strategy, and fiscal responsibility. Sri Lanka must prioritise homegrown talent and innovation to secure its maritime future in an increasingly competitive global landscape..
