The Sri Lanka Navy has generated USD 598,250 in foreign exchange revenue over just four months by independently conducting Onboard Security Team (OBST) operations.
According to a Navy statement, all earnings from these operations have been credited to the Government Consolidated Fund to support the national economy and public welfare. Between 3 October 2025 and 8 February 2026, the Navy carried out 323 maritime security operations, with the total revenue of USD 598,250 remitted directly to the Consolidated Fund.
The operations, which include the storage of firearms, ammunition, and equipment for OBSTs at Navy armouries, are conducted under the strict supervision of the Ministry of Defence. The transport of these items is facilitated using vehicles or craft provided by local agents of foreign Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs), all under the direct security and oversight of the Sri Lanka Navy, with careful planning.
The Navy disclosed this information during a press briefing at the Department of Government Information yesterday (11 February), led by the Director General of Navy Operations.
The move to independent maritime security operations follows a Cabinet decision approved on 7 July 2025, based on a proposal submitted on 18 June 2025, aimed at strengthening national security and boosting the domestic economy. Further legal backing was provided when the President issued a Presidential Order on 10 August 2025 under Section 21(1) of the Navy Act, designating Navy personnel to provide maritime security services to foreign PMSCs as a “non-naval duty” in the national interest. This order was published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2449/27 on 13 August 2025.
Following this mandate, the Sri Lanka Navy began independent maritime security operations on 3 October 2025 by entering agreements with foreign PMSCs, with all revenue from the project now directed to the Consolidated Fund.
The Navy possesses most of the necessary human and physical resources to conduct these operations independently, allowing for potential expansion of services with minimal additional costs.
Previously, since around 10 September 2009, the Navy had stored arms, ammunition, and equipment for Sea Marshals on merchant ships in cooperation with private entities. Under that arrangement, the Navy received only a small fee for its services, while the bulk of the revenue was retained by the private companies rather than the Government.
