Navy Reveals Unpaid Millions, Security Risks in Past Joint Venture

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Navy today convened a special media briefing to clarify matters related to past and present maritime security operations connected to floating armouries.

Rear Admiral Harsha de Silva, Director General (Operations) of the Sri Lanka Navy, explained that around 10 September 2009, or in that period, the Navy began providing services related to the storage and movement of foreign‑owned weapons and equipment required by armed maritime security personnel aboard commercial vessels. These operations were conducted in line with accepted international norms, with revenue directed to the Government of Sri Lanka.

He noted that between 2012 and 2015, and again from November 2015 to 2021, and later from September 2021 to November 2025, maritime security activities were carried out as a public‑private joint venture based on decisions and instructions issued by the respective administrations in power during those periods. 

Under this arrangement, a private company paid only a limited percentage of its US‑dollar earnings to the Navy in Sri Lankan rupees, and in some instances, payment obligations had been neglected.

Rear Admiral de Silva said the transport and storage of foreign weapons and equipment,activities considered highly sensitive, being managed under a public‑private arrangement posed potential threats to national security. He further revealed that Rs. 782 million due to the Navy for services provided had not been paid by the private partner involved.

Navy Spokesperson Commander Buddhika Samapath stated that under the renewed and legally compliant framework now granted to the Navy, operations had resumed independently. From 3 October last year to 25 February this year, the Navy has carried out 404 maritime security missions.

He added that through these missions, the Navy has earned more than USD 699,000 in foreign exchange, which has been remitted directly to the government in support of national economic efforts.