A delegation from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) met with Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, at the Ministry premises on February 13, 2025.
The discussions focused on Sri Lanka’s progress in addressing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices and enhancing regulatory compliance within the fisheries sector. The visit highlights the EU’s ongoing engagement with Sri Lanka, as EU member states remain the largest importers of Sri Lankan seafood exports.
The DG MARE officials are in Sri Lanka for a week, working closely with the Department of Fisheries and the Ministry of Fisheries to review Sri Lanka’s fisheries management practices. Their visit serves two primary objectives: assessing Sri Lanka’s compliance with the EU’s roadmap on sustainable fisheries governance and introducing the new digital catch certification system that will take effect in 2026.
As part of lifting the ban on Sri Lankan seafood exports, which was imposed in 2015, the European Union (EU) provided a roadmap to the Fisheries Ministry, outlining a series of measures to curb Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The visiting delegation is conducting a comprehensive review of Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing these measures, ensuring the country’s continued adherence to global fisheries management standards.
During the meeting, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar emphasized the Sri Lankan government’s firm commitment to sustainable fisheries and outlined key measures being taken to combat IUU fishing. The Minister highlighted that the long-delayed new Fisheries Act has been submitted to the Cabinet and is currently progressing towards its next legislative steps. He assured that all necessary actions are being taken to discourage illegal fishing while strengthening the Department of Fisheries by gradually providing enhanced financial, human, and technical resources. Additionally, the Minister formally requested technical assistance from the European Union to support ongoing regulatory reforms and capacity-building efforts.
The Minister expressed his appreciation for the EU’s continuous support in providing market access, technical expertise, and financial assistance for Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector. He reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening the partnership with the EU, ensuring sustained growth in seafood exports while promoting sustainable fishing practices. He also urged for continued EU support in expanding market opportunities and further enhancing Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Carmen Moreno, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka, along with Mr. Fernando Andresen Guinaraes, Director of DG MARE, Mr. Roberto Cesari, Head of Unit of DG MARE, and Mr. Lars Bredal, Head of Political, Press and Information Section of the European Union Mission to Sri Lanka. Representing Sri Lanka, Mr. Sampath Manthrinayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources, and Mr. Susantha Kahawatte, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, were also present.
