Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia undertook a visit to the Mirissa fisheries harbour, to observe the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) in operation—an initiative generously funded by the Government of Australia and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM)—as part of the ongoing official visit to Sri Lanka.

The Governor-General was received by Rathna Gamage, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources. Also in attendance were H.E. Paul Stephens, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka; Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission for Sri Lanka and Maldives, IOM; Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and Susantha Kahawatta, Director General - Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources among other dignitaries.  

The Governor-General was briefed on the functionalities of the VMS and its pivotal role in strengthening maritime security to mitigate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, combat irregular maritime migration and other transnational organised crime, and the vital support the system extends to coordinate maritime search and rescue operationswhen vessels are in distress. The delegation subsequently observed multi-day fishing vessels equipped with VMStransponders and engaged with the fisheries community to discuss the impact the VMS technology has on the fisheries industry.

Commenting on the VMS, the Governor General stated, “Australia is proud to stand alongside Sri Lanka in its pursuit of transforming maritime spaces to be more safe, secure and sustainable. The successful implementation of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and shared commitment. We are pleased to see the VMS already delivering tangible results, strengthening maritime bordergovernance and empowering fisheries communities.”

Remarking on the Governor-General’s visit, Rathna Gamage stated, “H.E. Sam Mostyn’s visit to Sri Lanka is a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations between our countries. Australia’s support of Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry has been steadfast over the years, and the VMS is a key outcome of this cooperation.”
“Thanks to Australia’s support, Sri Lanka’s compliance with international regulations, our ability to export fisheries products and our capacity to provide timely support the fisheries communities have markedly increased,” he added.

The VMS project (2021-2025), with a cumulative funding grant of AUD 9.96 million, was initiated to improve the regulation of the multi-day fishing vessel fleet of Sri Lanka,comprising over 4500 vessels, through satellite-based vessel monitoring technology. It is a fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance tool that enable the DFAR and maritime law enforcement agencies to monitor the multi-day fishing vessel fleet in real-time, leading to early identification of maritime threats and vessels in distress. The VMS transponder acts as a distress beacon in case of maritime emergencies contributing to better-coordinated search and rescue efforts, saving lives of fisherfolk.