US trains Lankan officials to detect maritime sanctions evasion

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Atlantic Council, organized a three-day training session from September 9th to 11th in Colombo. The objective was to enhance Sri Lanka's capability to identify and respond to maritime sanctions evasion, which poses threats to US security interests and global trade. Over 40 officials from various sectors such as the Atomic Energy Regulatory Council, Central Bank, Coast Guard, Merchant Shipping Secretariat, Ports Authority, Ministry of Defence, and the Navy, attended the training.

They were trained in identifying suspicious vessels and deceptive shipping practices, assessing risks related to sanctions and proliferation, and improving interagency coordination when such activities are detected in or near Sri Lankan waters.

Sri Lanka is strategically important for global trade, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Ambassador Eric Meyer of the United States emphasized the need for vigilance due to sanctions-evasion networks exploiting commercial shipping. During the training, experts from the Atlantic Council presented tactics used to conceal illicit activities, which include manipulating vessel information, having opaque ownership structures, performing ship-to-ship transfers, using falsified documents, and other deceptive practices.

The participants also learned about the risks faced by entities involved in shipping, like fuel providers and bunkering services, who may unknowingly assist sanctioned vessels.

The United States has previously targeted entities aiding sanctioned vessels, such as brokers, fuel suppliers, and cargo certifiers. The workshop covered US sanctions and UN Security Council sanctions, providing participants with hands-on experience in spotting red flags, conducting background checks on vessels and associated entities, evaluating financial and proliferation risks, and coordinating responses among Sri Lankan government agencies.

As a key Indian Ocean transshipment hub, Sri Lanka's efforts to secure its ports and seas against illicit maritime activities are vital for legitimate trade. US-Sri Lanka cooperation is instrumental in bolstering security across the region.