The 3rd Regional Project Steering Committee Meeting of the ‘BOBLME II’ project, focused on the sustainable management of fisheries and aquatic resources in the Bay of Bengal marine ecosystem, commenced today (19) at the Jetwing Sea Hotel in Negombo.

Participating as the chief guest at the inaugural session, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, stressed that strong international cooperation is vital to address the prevailing challenges in the marine region.

Addressing the gathering, the Secretary further stated:

“The Bay of Bengal is one of the world’s most important marine ecosystems, supporting the food security and livelihoods of millions of people. No single country can effectively tackle transboundary challenges such as overfishing, marine pollution, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Sri Lanka is currently implementing a Cabinet-approved National Fisheries Policy, and we remain firmly committed to conserving marine resources through science-based management.”

The project is being implemented in collaboration with international partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), IUCN, the Norwegian NORAD, SEAFDEC, and GEF, with the objective of strengthening regional cooperation and coordinated action.

Following the technical discussions scheduled in Negombo today and tomorrow (20), the foreign delegation will undertake a series of field visits to the Jaffna and Mannar districts on the 21st and 22nd.The Secretary further noted that arrangements have been made for delegates to observe sea cucumber farms in Jaffna and engage with fishing communities within the Vedithalathivu Nature Reserve in Mannar.