Cluster meeting of ReCAAP commences in Colombo

The cluster meeting of Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) got underway at the Kingsbury Colombo today (23rd July 2024) under the patronage of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera. The event was also graced by the Executive Director of ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC), Mr. Krishnaswami Natarajan, the Governor of Sri Lanka to ReCCAP ISC and Director General Operations of the Navy, Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris, representatives of ReCAAP member countries and local stakeholders.

ReCAAP came into effect on 04th September 2006. It binds fourteen Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, along with seven non-Asian nations. The member countries include Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Denmark, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Myanmar, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.

It is a regional agreement to promote and enhance cooperation to suppress piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia, whilst enhancing regional cooperation through information sharing, capacity building and cooperative arrangements. Under the agreement, an Information Sharing Centre (ISC) was established in Singapore, on 29th November 2006.

The welcome speech of the cluster meeting of ReCAAP was delivered by the Governor of Sri Lanka to ReCCAP ISC and Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris. Delivering the keynote address, the Commander of the Navy acknowledged the critical role of maritime security in sustaining the global economy amid the current complex landscape. He also commended the efforts of the information sharing centre of ReCAAP and also stressed the importance of fostering cooperation among regional stakeholders and enhancing information exchange. The august gathering was also addressed by Executive Director of ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC), Mr. Krishnaswami Natarajan.

During the meeting on 23rd and 24th July, participants will exchange ideas, information, and experiences through presentations and discussions on various topics. These include progress, preparedness, incident reports, case studies, security measures, and issues related to maritime security. The focus will be on developing collective solutions to combat piracy and armed robbery against shipping in the Asian region.

Three (03) representatives from ReCAAP ISC including its Executive Director, 02 representatives from Bangladesh and India, participated in the cluster meeting, while the Sri Lankan delegation included thirty-three (33) representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Shipping Corporation, and Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents.