The hybrid event, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism and the Ocean University of Sri Lanka, was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Arun Hemachandra.
The commemoration highlighted Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), particularly in advancing regional cooperation on ocean governance and environmental sustainability.
The event also reflected the theme of IORA Day 2026, “IORA Improves Lives,” which underscores the benefits of regional collaboration for the well-being and livelihoods of communities across the Indian Ocean region.
Delivering remarks at the event, Deputy Minister Hemachandra emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships within the Indian Ocean region and noted Sri Lanka’s role in promoting sustainable ocean-based development. He stated that the newly launched IORA Centre of Excellence on Ocean Sciences and Environment will function as a hub for research, knowledge exchange and capacity-building to support science-based ocean governance across the region.
A message from Sanjiv Ranjan was also delivered virtually during the event.
The launch marked an important milestone in strengthening regional scientific cooperation and knowledge sharing. It also initiated a series of webinars aimed at advancing dialogue on key ocean and environmental issues across the Indian Ocean region.
The inaugural webinar featured a keynote address by Charitha Pattiaratchi of the University of Western Australia, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session.
Heads of Mission of IORA Member States participated in the programme both in person and virtually, along with representatives of Dialogue Partners, Observer Countries and stakeholders from Sri Lanka and abroad.
