Sri Lanka, Maldives Deepen Ties to Safeguard Ocean Resources
- CNL Reporter
- July 29, 2025
- Political
- Maldives, Sri Lanka
- 0 Comments
In a diplomatically significant visit, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed Colombo’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation during his recent trip to the Maldives. The discussions focused on safeguarding territorial waters, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and advancing the blue economy.
Both nations emphasized that securing maritime zones is crucial not only for national sovereignty but also for regional stability. As island nations reliant on the ocean—Sri Lanka through its ports and coastal industries, and the Maldives through tourism and fisheries—sustainable ocean resource management has become a shared priority.
Amid growing threats from climate change, overfishing, and unchecked development, both governments are promoting policies that balance marine conservation with economic growth. These include marine spatial planning, renewable ocean energy, sustainable fisheries, and investments in ocean-based technologies.
Sri Lanka and the Maldives also aim to enhance cooperation through joint research, data sharing, and marine conservation efforts. Strengthening such partnerships is seen as vital for building resilience against future climate and economic shocks, while advancing mutual goals for sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region.
