FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Regional Centre for Maritime Studies (RCMS) in Sri Lanka, established at the Kothalawala Defence University with the assistance of France, has successfully trained 300 officials and is now expanding its program to welcome trainees from neighboring Asian countries.
According to an activity report by Captain Chamila Mendis, Director of the Sri Lanka Navy, the RCMS has evolved into a dynamic center for education, discussion, and innovation over the past year. He stated, “We have aimed to enhance maritime knowledge through conferences, workshops, and collaborative projects, facilitating institutional partnerships and creating a space for the exchange of ideas.”
The RCMS was officially opened in December 2024, with the goal of bolstering the capabilities of both civil and military sectors involved in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, emphasized that the center symbolizes regional cooperation between Sri Lanka and France, aiming to enhance security and stability in the maritime field during a high-level address.
He noted that the Centre serves as a strategic platform for improving coordination between various ministries and agencies, addressing institutional and operational gaps across the Indian Ocean, and promoting standardized operational procedures grounded in international best practices.
During the inauguration, Anne-Marie Descotes, then Secretary General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, highlighted the critical role of maritime safety and security in ensuring regional stability and economic prosperity. She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts and standardized procedures among neighboring states and international partners.
In early 2025, consultations were held with Sri Lankan stakeholders to develop training programs, identify priority capacity gaps, and determine preferred training areas. The RCMS noted that these discussions revealed a demand for practical courses focused on operational skills in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, as well as a willingness to contribute expertise toward training delivery. The consultations also underscored the necessity of aligning the RCMS’s initiatives with existing institutional mandates and regional priorities.
Simultaneously, initial analytical efforts began to assess training requirements in other regional countries, such as the Maldives and Bangladesh, as part of the Centre’s gradual outreach strategy. In 2025, the RCMS conducted 13 training programs and organized three conferences.
Among the courses offered was one focusing on oil spill response, which included field demonstrations for personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy, Ports Authority, and the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA). Participants learned about response equipment and techniques through hands-on presentations and live demonstrations in various operational scenarios.
Another program addressed crisis management structures and intervention teams during maritime emergencies, emphasizing coordination, decision-making, and communication under crisis circumstances. Additionally, a course on targeting and analyzing shipping containers integrated analytical methods to identify high-risk shipments, enhance information sharing among services, and utilize intelligence tools in port settings, featuring field sessions with officials from French Customs, the Sri Lanka Navy, Ports Authority, Coast Guard, and Customs.
A course dedicated to Port Safety and Dangerous Goods Management focused on the handling of hazardous materials in port areas, emphasizing safety protocols, regulatory frameworks, and risk prevention. Participants included officials from port authorities in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Other training initiatives addressed maritime domain awareness and counter-smuggling efforts related to radiological and nuclear materials, supported by the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Program. This program included mentoring for prosecutors and simulated trials that brought together judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials. The activity report noted, “Through role-playing exercises, participants engaged in case preparation, evidentiary analysis, and courtroom practices, thereby enhancing inter-agency coordination and legal capabilities to tackle complex maritime trafficking issues.” (Colombo/May03/2026)
