Special arrangement being made by Navy to prevent COVID -19 entering country through onboard security teams of merchant vessels

The embarkation and disembarkation of onboard security teams of merchant vessels takes place in accordance with a mutually agreed procedure by Navy, local agents of merchant vessels and Sri Lanka Ports Authority under careful supervision of Sri Lanka Navy. Due to prevailing health concerns in the country, these activities are being closely monitored. Further, the disembarking onboard security teams and their direct local agents are being quarantined at the quarantine centre established at the Boossa Naval Base in Galle, before embarking for onboard security duties again. Meanwhile, members of onboard security teams who arrive in for short period of time, are directed to self-quarantine at 03 separate locations under Navy’s care, as there is no sufficient time for them to go through 14-day quarantine.

Further, every weapon and ammunition as well as personal belongings of onboard security teams are sterilized at the harbour premises by health unit of the harbour and quarantine unit of Sri Lanka Navy. Since the stability of the economy which basically depends upon imports and exports is paramount of importance at this crucial juncture, Sri Lanka Navy plays a vital and responsible role for the execution of undisturbed economic activities of the country.

This whole process of activities is carried out by the Navy following proper sanitation guidelines and a practical training in this regard was held at the Galle harbour on 20^th March 2020.