Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Vijitha Herath, delivered a compelling address at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, emphasizing the importance of maritime partnerships for the prosperity and security of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Speaking at the plenary session titled "Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership," Herath underscored the historical connections between Oman and Sri Lanka, driven by ancient maritime trade routes, and reiterated the significant role the Indian Ocean plays in global commerce and regional stability.
Minister Herath highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean, noting the country’s continued efforts to strengthen maritime connectivity through the development of key infrastructure like the Port of Colombo. This port, now one of the busiest in the world, serves as a crucial hub connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and is expected to further expand with the opening of the Colombo West International Terminal.
In his speech, Minister Herath also addressed the pressing challenges facing the Indian Ocean, including maritime crimes, territorial disputes, climate change, and marine pollution. He called for collective action to tackle these issues, emphasizing the need for cleaner fuels, better waste management, and enhanced climate resilience. According to Herath, the economic potential of the Indian Ocean remains largely untapped, and effective cooperation is essential to unlock opportunities in sustainable fisheries, tourism, and energy resources.
The Sri Lankan minister reaffirmed his country's commitment to fostering regional cooperation, stating that Sri Lanka's vision for the Indian Ocean is one of peaceful coexistence, free from rivalry, where nations work together to ensure freedom of navigation and shared prosperity.
In his concluding remarks, Herath emphasized Sri Lanka’s proactive role in regional maritime affairs, especially as the current Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). He highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to the BBNJ Agreement on marine biodiversity conservation and its efforts to strengthen international partnerships for sustainable ocean governance. Sri Lanka also aims to continue enhancing regional cooperation through frameworks such as IORA, IONS, BIMSTEC, and the IOC.
The 8th Indian Ocean Conference brings together leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the region and beyond to discuss vital issues affecting the Indian Ocean. Herath’s speech called for enhanced collaboration to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for the region, reinforcing Sri Lanka's role as a key player in regional maritime security and development.
