The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Atlantic Council, conducted a three-day training programme in Colombo from 9-11 September aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s ability to detect and respond to maritime sanctions evasion.

More than 40 officials from Sri Lankan government and maritime agencies participated in the programme, which focused on identifying suspicious vessels, deceptive shipping practices and sanctions risks, as well as improving coordination among relevant agencies.

Participants examined methods used to conceal potentially illicit maritime activity, including the manipulation of vessel identification and tracking information, opaque ownership structures, ship-to-ship transfers and falsified documentation.

The programme also covered U.S. and applicable United Nations sanctions, vessel due diligence, financial and proliferation risks, and coordinated responses to potentially illicit maritime activity.