The Ministry of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Government of Sri Lanka (MFAR) arranged a high-level meeting to discuss country-specific programmes under the aegis of the BOBP-IGO.

Dr. P. Krishnan, Director, BOBP visited Sri Lanka from 12 – 13 August 2022 and held discussions with Mr. D Devanand, Hon'ble Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (MFAR); Mrs. R.M.I. Rathnayake, Secretary, MFAR; Mr. Dhammika Ranatunga, DG (Technical); MFAR; Mr. S.J. Kahawatte, DG, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Professor. M.J.S. Wijeyaratne, Chair person, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA); Dr. H.P.M. Kithsiri, DG, NARA; Dr. (Mrs.) J. M. Asoka, DG, National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA) and other senior Government functionaries and officials.

The Minister congratulate the Director on assuming the new role and assured all support from the Government.

The Secretary, MFAR appreciated the Organisation's new initiatives and plans for stronger research collaboration and capacity building and said that Sri Lanka will look forward to have a country representative at BOBP-IGO for better coordination. Dr. Krishnan also appraised the officers about the ongoing World Bank/BOBP-IGO study on marine fisheries insurance in South Asia.

During the meeting NARA and NAQDA made presentations on the possible areas of collaboration. Dr. Krishnan made a comprehensive presentation on the initiatives of the BOBP for research networking and opportunities and strategies of working together and all the organisations agreed on a shared research agenda. The BOBP Director also visited the Vessel Monitoring Centre of the MFAR.

Dr. Krishnan also met Dr. Oscar Amarasinghe, Chancellor, Ocean University of Sri Lanka and Senior academicians for possible collaboration in joint activities to be undertaken in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Krishnan thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for the strong support and facilitating very useful interactions.