Sri Lanka is ranked 51st in size of itsexclusive economic zone (EEZ) with a total size of 532,619 km2 (205,645 sq mi).[1] Sri Lanka's EEZ is bordered to the north and west byIndia in theGulf of Mannar andBay of Bengal; as well as in the west by theMaldives inLaccadive Sea.
In 1976, Sri Lanka legally defined the concept of EEZ in the"Maritime Zones Law, No. 22 of 1976".[2]
Ceylon participated in theFirst Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS I) in 1958 and ratified the following conventions.[3]
Between 1974 and 1976, theIndia–Sri Lanka maritime boundary agreements were signed and defined the international maritime boundary between the two countries. In 1982, Sri Lanka was an active member in the thirdThird United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) proclaiming her Maritime Zones. Sri Lanka has petitioned the United Nations based on scientific and other data to extend its EEZ beyond the current 200Nautical miles.[4]
Sri Lanka has successfully delimited its maritime boundaries with its closest neighbors through bilateral agreements, resolving potential disputes over its Exclusive Economic Zone.
Sri Lanka has definitively delimited its maritime boundary with India through a series of bilateral agreements. The first agreement, signed on 26/28 June 1974, settled the boundary in the historic waters of the Palk Strait and addressed related matters. This agreement formally recognized Sri Lanka's sovereignty overKatchatheevu, a small uninhabited island located in the Palk Strait. While the island itself was ceded to Sri Lanka, the agreement allowed Indian fishermen and pilgrims to visit Katchatheevu without travel documents for purposes such as rest, drying nets, and participating in the annual St. Anthony's festival.[5]
Subsequently, a second agreement signed on 23 March 1976 defined the maritime boundaries in theGulf of Mannar and theBay of Bengal, and further restricted fishermen from both countries from fishing in each other's Exclusive Economic Zones.[6] These agreements, along with a tri-junction point agreement with India and Maldives in July 1976, completed the delimitation of Sri Lanka's maritime boundaries within 200 nautical miles of its coast.[7]
While a formal maritime boundary delimitation agreement exists between Sri Lanka, India, and Maldives concerning the tri-junction point in the Gulf of Mannar, there are ongoing discussions and issues between Sri Lanka and Maldives regarding their respective maritime zones.
There are reportedly overlapping claims in the extension of the continental shelf beyond the 200 nautical mile EEZ between Sri Lanka and Maldives. Both nations have expressed a commitment to collaborate to avoid conflict over these areas.[8]
Despite the resolution of its maritime boundaries, Sri Lanka faces several challenges in effectively managing and utilizing its Exclusive Economic Zone.
Climate change also poses a significant long-term challenge, with rising sea levels and ocean temperatures affecting coral reefs and marine biodiversity.[9] Developing the necessary technological infrastructure and scientific expertise for comprehensive exploration and sustainable exploitation of deep-sea resources remains a priority.[10]
Sri Lanka's EEZ faces threats from marine pollution, including plastic waste and discharge from shipping, which impacts its coastal and marine ecosystems.[11]
Additionally, the issue of illegal fishing by Sri Lankan vessels in Maldivian waters, including but not limited to the areas of overlapping claims, has been a point of dispute.[8] The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard has on occasion seized Sri Lankan fishing vessels for illegally entering the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone. Both countries' foreign ministers have discussed ways to curb illegal fishing, recognizing that the economies of both nations heavily depend on fisheries.[12] These discussions aim to foster cooperation and information sharing to address such incidents.[13]
A persistent and sensitive issue is the illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly by Indian fishermen from the state of Tamil Nadu, who frequently venture into Sri Lankan waters, especially in the Palk Strait. This poaching depletes fish stocks, impacts the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen, and causes environmental damage, particularly through the use of destructive bottom trawling methods.[14] The Sri Lankan Navy regularly arrests Indian fishermen and seizes their trawlers for alleged illegal fishing in Sri Lankan territorial waters.[15] It is important to note that fishing vessel arrests are a bilateral issue, with fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka occasionally being apprehended for inadvertently trespassing into each other's waters.[15] While the issue of Indian poaching in Sri Lankan waters is more frequently highlighted, diplomatic channels and bilateral discussions are regularly employed by both nations to address these incidents in a cordial manner, aiming for humane treatment and resolution.[16]
TheSri Lanka Navy and since its establishment in 1999 theSri Lanka Coast Guard have been tasked with patrolling the maritime zones to prevent illegal activity.[17][18] India plays a significant role as a net security provider and aid partner for Sri Lanka's maritime security. Both nations share a common interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and addressing traditional and non-traditional maritime threats. India provides substantial support to Sri Lanka's armed forces through various institutional mechanisms for defense cooperation. This includes capacity building, training programs for Sri Lankan security forces, and joint military exercises such as the annual SLINEX (Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise), which aims to enhance interoperability and share best practices.[19]
India has also extended significant aid to bolster Sri Lanka's maritime capabilities. Notable contributions include the installation of a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) for the Sri Lankan Navy, funded by an Indian grant. An Indian Navy Dornier aircraft has been operated by the Sri Lankan Air Force at Trincomalee since August 2022 for maritime surveillance activities. India annually offers a considerable number of training vacancies for Sri Lankan Armed Forces personnel. Beyond defense, India has acted as a "first responder" to Sri Lanka during natural disasters and in averting environmental damages, such as assisting in oil spill incidents. These initiatives are part of a broader strategic alignment to safeguard the Indian Ocean region and enhance regional maritime security.[20] Recent high-level defense dialogues between India and Sri Lanka continue to explore new avenues for collaboration, including potential cooperation in the defense industrial sector and enhanced surveillance operations.[21]
Sri Lanka is increasingly focusing on a "Blue Economy" strategy to harness the full potential of its Exclusive Economic Zone in a sustainable manner.[22] This comprehensive approach aims to diversify the economy through responsible fisheries management, promoting marine aquaculture, and developing eco-tourism.[22][23] Key initiatives include strengthening maritime surveillance and enforcement capabilities to combat IUU fishing effectively.[24]
The government also plans to invest in marine scientific research to better understand its ocean resources and ecosystems, fostering sustainable practices for both living and non-living resources.[10] Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on developing renewable ocean energy sources and enhancing port infrastructure to support increased maritime trade and logistics.[25]
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