Ministry News
Assistance from Korea for a New Renaissance in Sri Lanka’s Fisheries and Marine Sector...
Published: 2026-11-05
Ministry Media Unit
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Executive Summary
“The Korean side has expressed preliminary agreement to provide full support from the Korean government toward the modernization and advancement of Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry.”
At the special invitation of South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Dr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, is currently participating in an international conference held in Busan, South Korea.
This visit was undertaken in connection with the 'Korea International Cooperation Conference on Oceans and Fisheries (KICCOF - 2026)' and the BADA( 'Best Achievements in Oceans and Fisheries ODA) program both organized by the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI). The conference, held under the timely theme "A New Path for Oceans and Fisheries ODA: Connecting Technology, Communities, and People," saw the participation of nearly 100 delegates—including government officials and experts—representing 11 countries.
During the bilateral discussions held on this occasion, the Secretary placed special emphasis on securing support from the Korean government and the international community to attract maritime investments to Sri Lanka. The objective is to promote the country's unique fisheries sector, as well as the emerging trend of 'fisheries tourism.' Notably, the Korean side expressed preliminary agreement to implement a program to develop the Mirissa Harbor into a hub for both fisheries and tourism, with a specific focus on minimizing marine litter. Concurrently, the potential for utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for predictive analysis within Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector by 2028 was also discussed in detail.
Furthermore, an open invitation was extended to Korean investors to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka’s aquaculture, marine bio-prospecting, and blue biotechnology sectors.
The enduring bilateral friendship between Sri Lanka and Korea, which has spanned many years, was also highlighted and reflected upon during the conference. Furthermore, the Secretary highlighted the close relationship maintained by the Ministry of Fisheries with prominent South Korean institutions—KMI and KIOST—noting that these international collaborations have generated numerous new employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth within the fisheries sector.
The conference made a significant contribution toward creating future collaborative opportunities by effectively bridging maritime technology with the needs of coastal communities.
The Secretary is also scheduled to participate in a special field visit to observe institutions associated with the BADA program; this invaluable opportunity provided by the Korean government will undoubtedly serve as a critical turning point, ushering in a new resurgence for Sri Lanka’s fisheries and marine resources sector.
This visit was undertaken in connection with the 'Korea International Cooperation Conference on Oceans and Fisheries (KICCOF - 2026)' and the BADA( 'Best Achievements in Oceans and Fisheries ODA) program both organized by the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI). The conference, held under the timely theme "A New Path for Oceans and Fisheries ODA: Connecting Technology, Communities, and People," saw the participation of nearly 100 delegates—including government officials and experts—representing 11 countries.
During the bilateral discussions held on this occasion, the Secretary placed special emphasis on securing support from the Korean government and the international community to attract maritime investments to Sri Lanka. The objective is to promote the country's unique fisheries sector, as well as the emerging trend of 'fisheries tourism.' Notably, the Korean side expressed preliminary agreement to implement a program to develop the Mirissa Harbor into a hub for both fisheries and tourism, with a specific focus on minimizing marine litter. Concurrently, the potential for utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for predictive analysis within Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector by 2028 was also discussed in detail.
Furthermore, an open invitation was extended to Korean investors to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka’s aquaculture, marine bio-prospecting, and blue biotechnology sectors.
The enduring bilateral friendship between Sri Lanka and Korea, which has spanned many years, was also highlighted and reflected upon during the conference. Furthermore, the Secretary highlighted the close relationship maintained by the Ministry of Fisheries with prominent South Korean institutions—KMI and KIOST—noting that these international collaborations have generated numerous new employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth within the fisheries sector.
The conference made a significant contribution toward creating future collaborative opportunities by effectively bridging maritime technology with the needs of coastal communities.
The Secretary is also scheduled to participate in a special field visit to observe institutions associated with the BADA program; this invaluable opportunity provided by the Korean government will undoubtedly serve as a critical turning point, ushering in a new resurgence for Sri Lanka’s fisheries and marine resources sector.
