State Minister Vasantha leads Lankan delegation to Our Oceans Conference

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake led the Sri Lanka delegation to the 4th International Our Oceans Conference, which was held in Malta from 5-6 October. 

Senanayake delivered a keynote statement at the conference conveying the significant steps taken by Sri Lanka to implement commitments made to promote sustainable fisheries, reduce marine pollution and protect coastal communities. 

He also referred to the amendment to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act in 2017 prohibiting fishing operations utilising bottom trawl nets towed by motorised or mechanised fishing boats and the steps taken by the Government to reduce the harmful effects of using polythene.  On the sidelines of the Conference, Senanayake met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta Carmelo Abela and discussed bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Malta. The two Ministers signed the Implementing Protocol to the EU-Sri Lanka Readmission Agreement. 

Senanayake also attended the State dinner hosted by Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and met with heads of delegation of several Asian countries. He also had the opportunity to greet the Prince of Wales who was a special guest at the Conference.

Senanayake was accompanied by Ambassador to the European Union Rodney Perera and Marine Environment Protection Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara.