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The 19^th Head of Asian Coast Guards Working Level Meetings (WLMs) took place virtually from 3^rd to 5^th May 2023 in discussing maritime issues in the five areas of Search and Rescue at Sea, Preventing & Controlling Unlawful Acts at Sea, Environment Protection, Capacity Building, and Information Sharing. The virtual meeting was hosted by the Turkiye Coast Guard in cooperation with the Japan Coast Guard.

The Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM), is a multilateral forum that began in 2004 and currently includes 23 member countries. Its primary goal is to enhance the capabilities of Coast Guard agencies in Asia. Through discussions at the working level, HACGAM addresses various aspects of maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. The forum emphasizes the importance of cooperation among its member organizations in promoting a safe and secure maritime environment fostering good relationships and mutual trust in the region.

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard chaired Environment Protection Group WLM, which convened on 4^th May 2023. This meeting gathered Coast Guards, Law Enforcement Agencies, and Marine Enforcement Agencies from member countries to discuss significant matters related to marine environment protection. The working groups consisted of 10 delegates from the countries, including Australia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Director Operations of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Captain Prasad Vithanage highlighted the importance of the WLM and the role of HACGAM in resolving marine environment issues during the opening remarks of the Environmental Protection WLM. Subsequently, the working group members; China Maritime Safety Administration, Indian Coast Guard, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, the Philippines Coast Guard, the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre and Sri Lanka Coast Guard conducted presentations relevant to marine environmental issues.

Captain Prasad Vithanage, the Director Operations of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, concluded the productive and significant meeting with his closing remarks and marked the end of a fruitful discussion.