Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ratna Gamage represented the Sri Lankan government at the "China-Sri Lanka Academic Forum on Tropical Marine Environmental Changes" held at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO) in Guangzhou, China, recently (March 24).
Addressing the conference, Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage emphasized that as an important center of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka's history, culture, and economy have always been closely linked to the ocean. The Deputy Minister pointed out that it is a timely need to further develop the long-standing cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, especially in the fields of fisheries, oceanography and marine resource management.
Stating that scientific research and innovation are essential to overcome the challenges the world is facing today, such as climate change, ocean pollution, and sustainable use of marine resources, the Minister noted that Sri Lanka is committed to sharing research data with leading institutions such as the South China Institute of Oceanography, technical training, and joint research projects.
A group of Chinese representatives including Prof. Chaolun Li of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Senior Professor P.A. Jayantha, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Hemali Munasinghe, Chairman of NARA, Sanath Hettiarachchi, Director General of the Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management, Turni Pradeep Kumara, and a group of researchers and scientists participated in this academic forum.
The Deputy Minister further stated that this collaboration between research institutions and universities of the two countries will contribute to safeguarding marine resources for future generations while promoting their more effective and sustainable utilization.
