Sri Lanka Navy earns USD 598,250 in foreign exchange through facilitating Onboard Security Team (OBST) operations in 4 months

The Sri Lanka Navy has generated USD 598,250 in foreign exchange revenue within just four (04) months by independently facilitating Onboard Security Team (OBST) operations. This total revenue has been credited to the Government Consolidated Fund for the benefit of the national economy and public welfare. A press briefing regarding these operations was held today, (11 Feb 26), at the Department of Government Information, headed by the Navy’s Director General Operations.

The shift to independent maritime security operations stems from a Cabinet decision approved on 07 Jul 25, following a proposal submitted on 18 Jun 25. This move was driven by a commitment to national security and the enhancement of the domestic economy.

Further legal framework was established when the President, exercising powers under Section 21(1) of the Navy Act, issued a Presidential Order on 10 Aug 25. This order designated the Sri Lanka Navy maritime security operation project to provide services by members of the Sri Lanka Navy to Foreign Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) as a "non-naval duty" for the benefit of national interest. The said Presidential Order was officially published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2449/27 on 13 Aug 25.

Pursuant to this mandate, the Sri Lanka Navy initiated independent maritime security operations on 03 Oct 25, by entering into agreements with foreign PMSCs. At present, the entirety of the revenue derived from this project is remitted directly to the Consolidated Fund to support the national economy and public welfare initiatives.

Furthermore, as the Sri Lanka Navy already possesses most of the necessary physical and human resources to conduct maritime security activities independently. Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Navy will be able to expand the provision of such operations and services with minimal additional cost.

On or around 10 September 2009, the Sri Lanka Navy commenced the storage of arms, ammunition, and equipment required for Sea Marshals engaged in maritime security operations on board merchant ships. These operations were carried out with private entities in accordance with advice received from time to time, under which a small fee was paid to the Sri Lanka Navy for the services provided, while the private entities remitted only a minimal portion of the total revenue to the Government.

Between 03 Oct 25, and 08 Feb 26, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted 323 maritime security operations. All earnings, totaling USD 598,250 have been credited directly to the Government Consolidated Fund.

The operations, which include the storage of firearms, ammunition, and equipment for OBSTs at Navy armories, are conducted under the strict supervision of the Ministry of Defence. The transport of these items is facilitated using vehicles or craft provided by the local agents of foreign PMSCs, all under the direct security and oversight of the Sri Lanka Navy with effective planning.