The Sri Lanka Navy’s Onboard Security Team (OBST) support operations have generated approximately USD 3.32 million in foreign exchange earnings in the past year.

This was revealed during a visit by the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) to the Navy’s maritime security facilities at the Pettigalawatta Armoury Complex in Galle.

The Deputy Minister, accompanied by Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, visited the complex to inspect facilities provided by the Navy to foreign private maritime security companies deploying security teams aboard merchant vessels, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The Pettigalawatta Armoury Complex serves as a storage facility for weapons and equipment belonging to these companies in connection with the Navy’s OBST support operations.

The Sri Lanka Navy independently commenced these operations on October 3, 2025, under agreements with foreign private maritime security companies. The operations are conducted under the full supervision of the Ministry of Defence and provide facilities and services to support maritime security teams operating aboard merchant vessels.

At present, 28 foreign private maritime security companies, represented by 10 local agents, obtain the necessary facilities and services through the Sri Lanka Navy, the Defence Ministry noted.

During the inspection, Deputy Minister Jayasekara reviewed the Navy’s role in facilitating the deployment of maritime security teams and assessed the progress of the operations. He commended the Navy’s contribution to the national economy, particularly its ability to conduct a substantial number of operations within a relatively short period after independently assuming responsibility for the services.

He also issued necessary instructions to ensure the continued efficient and effective implementation of the operations, the Defence Ministry added.

Presidential Adviser on Legal Affairs and Senior Attorney-at-Law J. M. Wijebandara, Additional Secretary (Civil Security and Development) of the Ministry of Defence Mrs. Indika Wijegunawardena, and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Sri Lanka Navy were also present.