by Shamindra Ferdinando

Sri Lanka is not likely to join ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ in the Red Sea to counter attacks mounted by Yemen-based Houthis, The Island learns.

A section of the media discussed the possibility of deploying two vessels in support of the US-led operation after President Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 3 at an event at the BMICH declared the decision to join the multinational maritime task force.

However, post-war Sri Lanka lacked the capacity to deploy at least one fully equipped vessel in the Red Sea, sources said.

Recently CNN reported how the USN had to Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) for the first time in the Red Sea since the trouble began in the wake Israeli invasion of Gaza in response to Oct 07, 2023 Hamas raids. USS Gravely, Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer shot down the Houthi missile within a mile of the vessel underscored the growing threat posed by Houthis regardless of continuing Western airstrikes on them.

None of the vessels, OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessels) in service with the SLN are equipped to operate in a missile environment.

At the onset of the controversy over possible deployment of a vessel in the Red Sea, some speculated that one of the former US Coast Guard vessels now in service with the Navy could be assigned for ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian.’ The vessels are P 627 (former US Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Munro) in service since 2022 and two other vessels P 621 and P 626 acquired in 2005 and 2018.

The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya and breakaway JVP faction, Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) strongly opposed the Red Sea deployment whereas State Defence Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon strongly defended the decision.

Sri Lanka made the announcement regarding Red Sea deployment in early January following US request for Sri Lanka’s participation in ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian.’

The operation involved the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands and Bahrain. Some countries, including France and Italy, have vessels in the region but they are not assigned to the US-led operation. India hasn’t joined the operation though it, too, has naval assets that can be deployed in case of an emergency.

The Upali Group of Companies, its employees and sales agents, countrywide, have made arrangements to invoke blessings on its founder, Upali Wijewardene, who disappeared in his Lear jet 41 years ago. Bodhi Pooja, Pahan Pooja and an alms-giving will be held, in his memory, on Feb. 13 (Tuesday).

A special Bodhi Pooja will be held at the Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya at 6 p.m. on February 13. With the blessings of Prof. Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangarakkhitha Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, arrangements have been made to offer alms to the Maha Sangha at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, and scholarships to 10 needy children from the Helena Wijewardene Maha Vidyalaya, Kelaniya.

Alms-giving to the inmates of the Home for the Elders at Mulgampola, Kandy, Bodhi Pooja Pinkama and Kavi Bana Pinkama, from 4.30 p.m. onwards, at the Ceylon Chocolates factory premises.

Bodhi Pooja, Pahan Pooja and Kavibana deshana will be held at the Vidya Niketha Piriven Viharaya, Sapugoda, Kamburupitiya.

The employees of Upali Consumer Products have arranged an alms-giving lunch at the ‘Children’s Home’ at Ja-Ela.

Founder’s Day Programme on February 13, 2024.

9.00 a.m. Holy Mass at Mattakkuliya Church.

10.00 a.m. – Offering of Buddha Pooja at the ‘Dhathumandiriya’.

10.30 a.m. – Scholarships to 10 needy children from Helena Wijewardene Maha Vidyalaya, Kelaniya.

11.30 a.m. – Alms-giving for the Maha Sangha at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.

12 noon – Providing lunch for the Children’s Home, Ja-Ela, organized by the employees of Upali Trading Co. Ltd.

6.00 p.m. – Bodhi Pooja and Pahan Pooja at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.

All these pinkamas (meritorious acts) are organized by Upali Group employees and newspaper, Kandos/Delta and soap agents.

‘With the arrival of three KOICA volunteers recently, the total strength of its contingent in the country has gone up to 17, KOICA spokesperson said, adding that they were serving in fields focused on Korean language, computer design, beauty and salon, western music and machine engineering.

The newly arrived group will be positioned at the Women’s Bureau of Sri Lanka, College of Technology in Maradana and the College of Technology in Galle.

KOICA statement: “The targeted fields of volunteer engagement have been directed towards Korean Language and Social Welfare (Community Development). The program is aimed to share Korean volunteers’ knowledge and experiences with the students of partner organizations and ultimately make a change in the community. The volunteers will be dispatched to their respective partner organizations on 15th of March 2024 after the completion of their local adaptation training in Colombo.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is the Korean government agency for grant aid under its mission of “Contributing to the common prosperity and the promotion of world peace through inclusive, mutual development cooperation leaving no one behind.”

KOICA Sri Lanka Office has been implementing its volunteer programs and a variety of development projects and fellowship programs since 1991; with the Sri Lankan Government, Korean NGOs, and International Organizations. It is particularly keen to put more efforts to support the most vulnerable in society to overcome the current crisis.”