Sri Lanka and UK Sign Agreement to Enhance Hydrographic Capabilities
- CNL Reporter
- February 16, 2025
- Political
- NEWS OF THE DAY
- 0 Comments
NEWS OF THE DAY
The Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) have entered into a bilateral agreement to strengthen Sri Lanka’s hydrographic expertise and global reach.
This collaboration focuses on knowledge sharing, capacity building, technical cooperation, and revenue generation by marketing Sri Lanka’s hydrographic products internationally, according to the Sri Lanka Navy.
Highlighting the UK’s continued support in this field, the Navy noted that UKHO distributes around 75% of the world’s international charts and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs). Given SLNHO’s current limitations in infrastructure and global market access, UKHO was identified as the ideal partner for this initiative.
Through this agreement, SLNHO aims to generate revenue by selling ENCs and other hydrographic products via UKHO’s extensive global distribution network, marking a shift from its previous role of merely providing raw data.
Additionally, the partnership lays the groundwork for Sri Lanka to eventually assume the role of Primary Charting Authority, a responsibility currently managed by UKHO.
The agreement was signed by Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh of UKHO and Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya of SLNHO, representing their respective governments. Essenhigh also engaged in discussions to enhance strategic hydrographic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
The collaboration between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka plays a crucial role in advancing Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities and promoting its hydrographic products on a global scale. Given the UK’s expertise in maritime charting, navigational safety, and hydrographic research, working together ensures that Sri Lanka’s hydrographic outputs meet international standards, fostering maritime security, economic growth, and sustainable ocean resource management.
Sri Lanka has made significant progress in developing its hydrographic services, ensuring the production of accurate and up-to-date navigational charts. These efforts enhance maritime safety, support sustainable marine resource management, and contribute to the growth of the blue economy. With the increasing importance of safe and efficient sea routes, Sri Lanka’s hydrographic products are crucial for national and regional maritime interests.
By strengthening collaboration with the UK, Sri Lanka can leverage advanced hydrographic technologies, expertise, and training opportunities to enhance its capabilities further. This partnership will not only boost the credibility and global acceptance of Sri Lanka’s hydrographic products but also contribute to regional maritime security and sustainable economic development.
In this context, initiatives such as joint research programs, technical knowledge exchange, and capacity-building programs will be instrumental in ensuring Sri Lanka remains a key player in the global hydrographic sector. Enhanced cooperation will facilitate the development of high-quality hydrographic products, benefiting both the national economy and international maritime stakeholder
