Australia is set to continue its support and collaboration with Sri Lanka in further strengthening Maritime security cooperation an essential part of the bilateral relationship between the two nations,.
Australia formally handed over a cutting-edge Kongsberg EM2042 shallow water multibeam echo sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy on Tuesday (18). The ceremonial transfer took place in the presence of Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens, and Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.
Despite its compact size, the EM2042 Multibeam Echo Sounder is highly efficient and robust, offering high-resolution, clean data in challenging marine environments. This advanced hydrographic equipment, funded by the Australian Department of Defence, is set to significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s independent hydrographic capabilities.
High Commissioner Stephens expressed his pride in the collaboration, highlighting the strategic importance of enabling Sri Lanka to collect vital maritime data autonomously. He emphasized that as an island nation seeking to grow its blue economy, Sri Lanka would greatly benefit from the ability to map its ocean floor without relying on external assistance.
The precise hydrographic data provided by the Kongsberg EM2042 will play a crucial role in expanding maritime trade, a key component of Sri Lanka’s economic growth through export diversification. The handover is the result of more than a year of planning and cooperation between the Australian and Sri Lankan governments.
Maritime security cooperation forms an essential part of the bilateral relationship between the two nations, complementing strong ties in areas such as education, tourism, trade, investment, sports, and cultural exchange. Both countries are committed to fostering an open, prosperous, and resilient Indian Ocean region.
“Australia and Sri Lanka are Indian Ocean neighbors, and as island nations, we share a mutual interest in ensuring regional stability and economic prosperity,” said High Commissioner Stephens. He added that as geopolitical competition in the northeastern Indian Ocean intensifies, Australia seeks to be a trusted and reliable partner for Sri Lanka.
In 2024, Australia demonstrated its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka through multiple initiatives. These included gifting a King Air 350 maritime surveillance aircraft to the Sri Lanka Air Force, providing all-terrain vehicles to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and offering fuel support to the Sri Lanka Navy. These efforts were part of Australia’s flagship Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024 program, aimed at strengthening regional defence and security partnerships.
Looking ahead to 2025, Australia plans to continue its support and collaboration with Sri Lanka. This will include ongoing training and educational opportunities, the return of Indo-Pacific Endeavour, and sustained fuel assistance for the Sri Lanka Navy to bolster efforts in combating transnational crime.
The handover of the Kongsberg EM2042 echoesounder underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. By equipping Sri Lanka with modern hydrographic capabilities, Australia is reinforcing its commitment to regional maritime security, economic stability, and long-term cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
