The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekhar, who is participating in the ‘One Ocean Week’ international conference being held in Bergen, Norway, engaged in a special discussion with the Chief of Bergen County Council Christine B. Meyer and a group of representatives yesterday (21).

The Honorary Consul of Norway, Mr. Sterle H. Pedersen, was also present on the occasion.

The main discussions and outcomes of the meeting are as follows:

Electricity and Hydrogen Technology for Fishing Vessels:

During the meeting with the top management of ‘Corvus Energy’, a world-leading provider of marine energy solutions, the focus was on introducing battery energy and hydrogen fuel cell technology for fishing vessels. The company has already supplied battery systems to several vessels manufactured by Colombo Dockyard. The possibility of starting a factory or pilot project to assemble such battery systems in Sri Lanka was discussed at length, with the aim of reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions.

Study on Disaster Management and Civil Protection:

During the meeting held with Mr. Agnar Tveten, Head of Emergency Preparedness and Civil Protection of Bergen County, the Minister discussed how the Norwegian government has prepared its people and systems to face disaster situations. Special attention was paid to maintaining a six-month stock of essential medicines to face any emergency, the legal ability of the government to use private sector property in an emergency, and methods of early warning the public. The Minister pointed out that these experiences can be used to streamline disaster management plans in Sri Lanka.

Secretary to the Ministry Dr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa and Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Mr. S.J. Kahawatte are also participating in this official visit.