Maritime strategy for national development: Sri Lankan perspective

Abstract

The maritime space around Sri Lanka changed to a greater extent with the end of LTTE terrorism in year 2009. Being located at the Indian Ocean (IO) in a strategically important location, Sri Lanka has a significant role to play in projecting maritime interests as well as protecting them. As a nation which thrives for achieving sustainable development goals in many spheres, Sri Lanka’s future undoubtedly lies in the maritime environment around the island nation. It is quite evident that Sri Lanka over the years has not effectively utilized the maritime sphere to yield its full potential. A nation’s wealth is a strategic asset; therefore we need a sound maritime strategy based on national interests to achieve development goals and other aspects such as maritime security and governance.