The Sri Lanka Navy denying recent allegations of providing tactical support to Somali pirates said it is engaged only in patrolling in the sea area closer to Sri Lanka for coastal protection and also to protect the important Sea Lanes of Communications South and West of Sri Lanka.

‘When analyzing the recent incidents of piracy that has occurred off Somalia, it is observed that all piracy attacks has taken place West of the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian sea approximately 700NM away from Sri Lanka where the Sri Lanka Navy ships and craft do not operate’, the SLN said in a release.

‘Hence, Sri Lanka Navy totally denies such baseless allegations which are aimed at tarnishing the good image of the Sri Lanka Navy,’ the Navy said.