Sri Lanka to deploy Navy Ship in Red Sea

In response to escalating concerns over Houthi activities in the Red Sea, President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced the deployment of a ship from the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance regional security. 

The decision aims to address the growing anxieties among international shipping companies facing attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in the strategically significant area.

The Houthis have claimed their actions as retaliation against Israel’s military support for Hamas. The resulting disruptions in the Red Sea have led to heightened freight costs and delayed delivery times for shipping companies navigating the region.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized the economic impact of these disruptions during his address at the ‘Shilpa Abhimani 2023’ event held at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre in Colombo. 

He also highlighted the potential for increased cargo costs if ships choose to reroute around South Africa instead of traversing the Red Sea.

The deployment of a Sri Lanka Navy ship signals the country’s commitment to contributing to the security of the Red Sea area and mitigating the challenges posed by Houthi activities, ultimately aiming to safeguard international shipping routes in the region.