In line with the upcoming World Fisheries Day, Sri Lanka has launched two major capacity-building workshops aimed at strengthening small-scale fisheries management at both national and international levels.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, together with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, is organizing the programme in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Bay of Bengal Programme – Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO). The initiative focuses on developing the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) for South Asian countries.
The international workshop, held in conjunction with the “Aqua Planet 2025” event and exhibition, began today at the 25th floor of the Lotus Tower in Colombo and will continue until the 22nd. Senior officials from the fisheries ministries of India, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka, university academics, and regional experts are attending. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, graced the opening as Chief Guest, while State Minister of Fisheries, Ratna Gamage, participated as the Special Guest. Senior ministry officials, FAO and BOBP-IGO representatives, and delegates from across South Asia were also present.
First Initiative in South Asia
Sri Lanka becomes the first South Asian country to begin formulating a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) under FAO guidelines. The initiative aims to strengthen the small-scale fisheries sector, which plays a vital role in the nation’s food security and livelihood support. Key objectives include enhancing marine and inland fisheries, improving the socio-economic wellbeing of fishing communities, and ensuring the protection of marine and aquatic ecosystems.
National-Level Workshop
A national workshop is also being conducted to bring together stakeholders from various sectors related to marine and inland fisheries. The session will identify challenges, opportunities and priorities in the development of the national action plan. Discussions will focus on livelihood enhancement, resource management, market access, climate resilience and social protection mechanisms for fishing communities.
South Asia’s World Fisheries Day Celebration in Colombo
Sri Lanka will host the regional celebration of World Fisheries Day tomorrow (November 21) at the Lotus Tower premises. Senior officials from South Asian countries, FAO representatives from Sri Lanka and the Maldives, officials from FAO headquarters, and BOBP-IGO leaders are expected to participate.
The two workshops being conducted alongside World Fisheries Day are viewed as an important milestone that will help shape a new regional direction for sustainable fisheries management in South Asia.
