Our Seas

Territorial Sea - The limits of the sea beyond the land territory and internal waters of Sri Lanka. THe waters on the landward side of the base lines form part of the internal waters of Sri Lanka.

The sovereignity of the Republic extends to the territorial sea and to the air space over the territorial sea as well as to its bed and sub soil.

Use of Territorial Sea by Foreign Ships and Aircraft

Ships of all states enjoy the right of innocent passage through the terrotorial sea. Passage is innocent so long as such passage is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the Republic. No foreign warship could enter or pass through the territorial sea except with the prior consent of, and subject to specified conditions.

No foreign aircraft could enter or pass through the air space above the territorial sea except in accordance with the written laws in force in Sri Lanka

All foreign military aircraft must obtain prior consent of and be subject to specified conditions.

Contiguous Zone

The sea contiguouse to the territorial sea and extends seawards from the outer limits of the territorial sea of Sri Lanka

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

The sea adjacent to the territorial sea as well as the seabed and sub soil. All the natural resources, both living and non-living within the Exclusive Economic Zone, on and under the sea bed and in the sub soil and on the water surface and within the water column vest in the Republic.

The rights of the Republic in the EEZ

Sovereign rights for the purpose of exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of the natural resources, and the production of energy from tides, winds, and currents for other economic uses.

Exclusive rights and jurisdiction to authorise, regulate, and control scientific research.

Exclusive rights and jurisdiction for the construction, maintenance or operation of artificial islands, off-shore terminals, installations and other structures and devices necessary for the exploration of the resources of the zone, for the convenience of shipping or for any other purpose.

Other rights recognised by international law.

Continental Shelf

Comprises of the following:

The sea-bed and sub-soil of the submarine areas that extend beyond the territorial sea of Sri Lanka throughout the natural prolongation of the land territory of Sri Lanka to the outer edge of the continental margin

or

to a distance of two hundred nautical miles from the base line from which the territorial sea is measures where the outer edge of the continental margin foes not extend up to that distance.

All the natural resources, both living and non-living, on and under the sea-bed and in the sub-soil of the continental shell shall vest in the Republic.

Pollution Prevention Zone

The sea adjacent to the territorial sea, and the sea-bed, and the sub-soil.