High Commission of India

Colombo

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PRESS RELEASE

Participation of SLCG Suraksha in NATPOLREX VIII, Goa

 Preparing for National Level Pollution Response, Indian Coast Guardis conducting NATPOLREX-VIII Exercise from 19-21 April 2022 in Goa. The Exercise is attended by many ships and participants from other countries in the region.

2.Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Suraksha is participating in the Pollution Response Exercise to further regional solidarity through this multilateral engagement with the aim of strengthening coordinated efforts for preserving and protecting Marine Environment.

3.The participation of SLCG Suraksha gains special significance in light of recent incidents of MT New Diamond and MV XPress Pearl which had greatly threatened the Marine Environment of Sri Lanka. It was through immediate and coordinated efforts of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard along with their Sri Lankan counterparts that major catastropheswere averted.

4.It may be recalled India has been 'First Responder' for Sri Lanka on several occasions including delivery of COVID-19 Vaccination, Liquid Medical Oxygen, Nano Nitrogen Fertilisers in 2021. Further, India has been actively involved in various capacity building initiatives like NATPOLREX towards validating inter-agency coordination and preparedness of the Indian Coast Guard with valuable experience sharing with friendly countries including Sri Lanka to promote the vision of Safety And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

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Colombo
19 April 2022