It has been proposed to implement an infrastructure improvement project for Marine Rescue Coordination Centre with the partnership of Merchant Shipping Secretariat, Sri Lanka Air Force and Coast Guard Department.

The proposal made by the President Maithripala Sirisena, in his capacity as the Minister of Defence, to commence this project in 2017 and to complete within 04 years, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Proposed Marine Rescue Coordination Centre's main centre will be established in Colombo, and Secondary Centre will be located in Hambantota. Subunits will be located in 07 strategically important places, i.e. Galle, Trincomalee, Point Pedro, Mollikulam, Arugambay, Batticaloa, and Kallarawa.

According to international conventions regarding air and marine transportation signed by Sri Lanka a 'Marine Rescue Coordination Centre' should be maintained. This responsibility is currently born by Marine Shipping Secretariat and they have assigned the task to Sri Lanka Navy.