Sri Lanka calls for stronger international action on ocean conservation

Colombo, June 6 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka's Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, has emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing global marine conservation challenges while representing Sri Lanka at the Island States Ocean Summit (ISOS) held in Tokyo, Japan, from June 2 to 4.

The summit brought together heads of state, fisheries ministers, and senior officials from 35 countries. Among the distinguished attendees were Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. During the event, Minister Chandrasekar also held a bilateral discussion with Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chairman of the Nippon Foundation.

Addressing the summit, Minister Chandrasekar said that no single nation could effectively overcome complex marine issues on its own. He highlighted climate change, ocean pollution, overfishing, and the rapid loss of marine biodiversity as pressing global concerns requiring collective international action.

“As an island nation strategically located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s identity, economy, and food security are closely linked to the health of the marine environment,” the Minister said.

He stressed that practical partnerships, rather than mere commitments, are essential to tackling the challenges faced by island nations. The Minister called on developed countries to support developing island states through access to advanced fishing technologies, satellite monitoring systems, and enhanced data-sharing networks.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts in ocean resource management, Minister Chandrasekar noted that the country is implementing a Blue Economy framework and science-based fisheries management policies. He further stated that the government has prioritized the protection of coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass habitats.

The Minister also underscored the importance of empowering small-scale fishers, coastal youth, and women, describing them as key stakeholders in sustainable ocean governance and conservation initiatives.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, the visit has paved the way for new technical and financial cooperation opportunities with Japan and other participating island nations in the marine resources sector.

Minister Chandrasekar was accompanied by the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa.