Australia and Sri Lanka strengthen maritime security partnership for third consecutive year through Disi Rela 2026

The Australian Border Force and Sri Lanka Coast Guard have launched Disi Rela 2026, marking the third consecutive year of the joint maritime security initiative aimed at strengthening maritime surveillance, operational capability, and public awareness across Sri Lanka’s coastal regions.

This year, Disi Rela 2026 expands its community engagement and public awareness activities to Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, following successful activations conducted in the Western and Southern Provinces in previous years.

Meaning “keeping a watchful eye over the maritime environment,” Disi Rela reflects the continued partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka to strengthen maritime security, combat transnational maritime crime, and promote safer seas across the region.

Through intelligence sharing, operational cooperation, advanced equipment support, and public awareness initiatives, both countries continue to work together to address threats including people smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and other unlawful maritime activities.

Over the past three years, the Australian Government has supported Sri Lanka’s maritime security efforts under the Disi Rela initiative through the donation of 24 surveillance drones, three all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), three Stabicraft patrol vessels, and the establishment of a dedicated 24/7 hotline number — 106.

Further strengthening Sri Lanka Coast Guard’s operational capability, the Australian Government will donate an additional five all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) under Disi Rela 2026 to support coastal surveillance and rapid response operations.

In reflecting upon the continued partnership and shared commitment of both nations to safeguard Sri Lanka’s maritime boundaries and coastal communities, the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph, said:

“Disi Rela 2026 demonstrates the enduring cooperation between the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the Australian Border Force in strengthening maritime security across our region.

As the initiative expands into the Eastern Province, community awareness and public participation continue to play a vital role in helping us protect our seas and prevent unlawful maritime activity.”

Commander Maritime Border Command and Commander Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter AM, Royal Australian Navy, said the initiative reflects the strong and ongoing partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka.

“For the third consecutive year, Disi Rela demonstrates the importance both Australia and Sri Lanka place on maritime security and regional cooperation.

Through continued capability building, operational support, and community engagement, we are working together to strengthen maritime safety and security across the region,” Rear Admiral Sonter said.

The public is encouraged to report suspicious maritime activity through the dedicated 24/7 hotline number: 106. Calls can be made anonymously.

Disi Rela 2026 reflects the ongoing cooperation between Australia and Sri Lanka in promoting a secure, stable, and resilient maritime environment across the Indian Ocean region.