– The Commander of the Australian Joint Agency Task Force, Operation Sovereign Borders and Commander of Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, ceremonially handed over 12 surveillance drones to the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph, during an event held at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Mirissa.

The occasion was attended by the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth, along with Inspector Paul Edwards, First Secretary at the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka.The event marked the transfer of key surveillance equipment aimed at enhancing maritime safety and security, while also underscoring the strong cooperation between Australia and Sri Lanka in maritime border management.Officials noted that the longstanding partnership between the Australian Border Force and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard has continued to strengthen through joint initiatives and contributions, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations towards maintaining safe and secure maritime environments.

During the visit, discussions were also held regarding future cooperation between the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the Australian Border Force.