The Sri Lankan Navy assumed leadership of the multinational maritime training task force, Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), based in Bahrain last week, marking the first time Sri Lanka has taken command of a task force in the US-led coalition.
Commodore Manjula Hewa Bettage of the Sri Lankan Navy succeeds Egyptian Navy’s Commodore Haytham Khalil in this role.
CTF 154 is responsible for leading multinational maritime training initiatives across the Middle East, spanning Bahrain to Jordan. Its objective is to enhance operational capabilities and maritime security in the region. The task force comprises representatives from six countries: Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Seychelles, Türkiye, and the United States.
“I believe training and collaboration are essential to maritime commerce and security. By fostering partnerships between nations and industries, we can address threats, optimise operations and protect vital trade routes together. These efforts strengthen the global maritime industry and support economic growth,” said Commodore Bettage.
CTF 154, established in May 2023, conducts training in five key areas: maritime awareness, maritime law, maritime interdiction, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development.
The Combined Maritime Forces, headquartered in Bahrain alongside U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet, is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership, encompassing 46 different navies. CMF operates five task forces, including CTF 150, focusing on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean; CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; and CTF 153, active in the Red Sea.
Sri Lanka’s participation in CMF is relatively recent, having joined the partnership in November 2023. The leadership of comes at a time when the country’s growing military ties with the United States and other governments have drawn sharp criticism.
The US has significantly expanded defence collaborations with Sri Lanka in recent years, including joint military exercises and agreements. Critics argue that these engagements overlook Sri Lanka’s human rights record, particularly its ongoing repression of Tamils and the lack of accountability for war crimes committed during the final stages of the armed conflict.