Sri Lanka seeks the assistance of France to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and to develop maritime surveillance capabilities.
Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, visited France on an official visit organized by the Embassy of France and initiated discussions with Mr. Alexis Morel, Director of the Centre National de Surveillance des Peches (CNSP) in France, and his team.
The CNSP, the main institution responsible for fisheries surveillance and protection of the marine environment in France, briefed the Sri Lankan delegation on its operational procedures. In particular, a detailed presentation was made on the use of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS).
The discussion focused on the training of officers of the Department of Coast Guard, Sri Lanka, sharing the French experience in VMS activities, and the potential for obtaining software assistance. Through this collaboration, it is expected to significantly improve maritime security and the sustainability of the fisheries industry in Sri Lanka.
Following the meeting, the delegation including the Secretary to the Ministry, went around the Centre and observed the continuing operations of it.
