A high-level meeting aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation in fisheries, maritime trade, and economic relations between Sri Lanka and Russia was held today (28.09.2026) at the Ministry of Fisheries, between the Ambassador of the Russian to Sri Lanka, H.E. Levan S. Dzhagaryan, and the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

During the cordial meeting, the two sides held detailed discussions on several key areas, including further strengthening the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Russia, expanding bilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector, and increasing access to the Russian market for Sri Lankan seafood products.

Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that Sri Lanka is keen to expand the export of high-quality marine products, including tuna, prawns, and crabs, to the Russian market. The two sides discussed avenues for further strengthening maritime trade and commercial cooperation between the two countries.

The discussions also focused on international quality standards, food safety requirements, and health certification procedures applicable to the export of fish and seafood products to the Russian market. Both sides emphasized the importance of identifying practical challenges to expanding bilateral maritime trade and implementing effective solutions to address them.

Minister Chandrasekar highlighted the potential for utilizing advanced Russian technology, fishing vessels, and specialized equipment to modernize Sri Lanka’s deep-sea fishing sector. He particularly stressed the importance of adopting modern technologies to minimize post-harvest losses and preserve the quality of marine catches.

The meeting also explored opportunities for securing Russian investment and technical assistance to modernize Sri Lankan fishing harbours, enhance cold-storage facilities, and strengthen infrastructure for the handling and preservation of marine products.

Ambassador Levan S. Dzhagaryan emphasized Russia’s commitment to expanding economic and trade cooperation with Sri Lanka. He highlighted the importance of broadening market access for Sri Lankan seafood products, increasing investment and technical cooperation in the fisheries sector, and supporting the modernization of fishing infrastructure.

Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between research institutions in the two countries to scientifically assess fish stocks within Sri Lanka’s maritime boundaries, promote sustainable fishing practices, and safeguard marine resources.

Discussions also covered opportunities for Russian support in providing technical training, knowledge-sharing programmes, and capacity-building initiatives for Sri Lankan fishermen and fisheries officials. Both sides expressed interest in expanding future cooperation in technological advancement, technical expertise, knowledge exchange, and skills development within the fisheries sector.

Recalling the longstanding friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Russia, which date back to 1948, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar expressed his appreciation for Russia’s continued support for Sri Lanka in international forums, as well as during periods of economic difficulty.

Minister Chandrasekar stated that the meeting would not only further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector but also create new opportunities to expand trade, investment, tourism, and broader economic relations between the two countries. Welcoming the Russian Government’s keen interest in supporting the development of Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, he expressed confidence that concrete steps would be taken to further strengthen economic and fisheries cooperation between the two countries.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Phd. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, also participated in the meeting.