4. Duties and functions of the Department of Coast Guard

The functions of the Department of Coast Guard shall be—

to prevent illegal fishing in the coastal areas of Sri

to assist the Customs and other relevant authorities in combating anti-smuggling and anti-immigration operations;

to initiate action to prevent and manage piracy at sea;

to co-operate with the law enforcement agencies and the armed forces by taking necessary measures for the suppression of destructive terrorist activities occuring in the maritime zones and the territorial waters of Sri Lanka;

to prevent transboundary movement of narcotics, by sea;

to assist the relevant authorities in ensuring safety of life and property at sea;

to participate in search and rescue operations for human beings in times of natural catastrophes and to assist in salvage operations in relation to vessels and other goods after such catastrophes and other accidents at sea;

to assist in the preservation and protection of maritime and marine environment;

to assist the relevant authorities in the implementation and monitoring of measures required for the prevention and control of marine pollution and other disasters which occur at sea;

to assist in the conservation of marine species;

to disseminate information including warnings by radio or any other means in times of natural catastrophes; and

the performance of such other functions as may from time to time be conferred on it or assigned to it, by the Government.