The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka conducted an awareness program today (16) at the auditorium of the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources. The program aimed to educate relevant officials from the Ministry and the Department of Fisheries on the effective implementation of the Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) framework, which is designed to prevent terrorist financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs 1267 and 1373).

During the program, several key points regarding the responsibilities of the relevant divisions within the Ministry and the Department of Fisheries, as well as the implementation of the TFS framework, were discussed:

    Providing an API facility to the Information Technology (IT) division of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to facilitate easy access to information regarding TFS and designated persons, and conducting necessary screenings through IT systems.

Incorporating requirements into existing administrative procedures to ensure the accurate identification of relevant individuals or entities and to verify TFS compliance during boat registration and ownership transfer processes.

   Discussing and clarifying legal matters regarding TFS implementation, as well as the respective responsibilities of the Ministry and the Department.

     Furthermore, the program provided a clear explanation of the responsibilities of the relevant divisions; discussions also covered the future implementation of the proposed API facility—through coordination between the Information Technology Division and the Financial Intelligence Unit—and the fulfillment of necessary administrative and legal requirements by the Management and Legal divisions.

Officials who participated in this event included Ms. N.A.A.P.S. Nissanka (Additional Secretary of the Ministry), Mr. B.A.P. Kapila Bamunuarachchi (Chairman of the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation), and Mr. Kitsiri Dharmapriya (Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority), along with other officials of the Ministry.