SL, a maritime hub in the region

I am proud to be here today, as chief guest at this event which is very important to the North Indian Ocean Region as well as Sri Lanka itself as a maritime nation with an EEZ equal to eight times of the land area.

As I am aware, Sri Lanka hosted this event six years ago and since then it has benefited us all in numerous ways. It is my belief that this year would be as successful or my secret hope that it would be even more of a success than last time.

Safety of navigation

The practical application of hydrography is a global affair. However, the regional as well as the international co-operation and co-existence among the maritime nations possess a key role in the advancement of the sector and I have no doubt this international forum will further the advancement of this discipline.

Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne

Being a seafaring nation and situated in a prime location of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has a very good potential to develop as a maritime hub in the region. Therefore, with the intention of revitalizing the once famed Silk Route, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has initiated a vast development in the Southern Coastal belt, such as the Hambantota new Harbour Project.

In this effort as the National focal point for hydrography in Sri Lanka, the National Hydrographic Office of NARA is entrusted with the important task of providing updated hydrographic data and relevant information for the safety of navigation. I do believe, this type of regional and international gathering enhances the international and bilateral cooperation including knowledge transferring and trade links, which will lead to the development of this field.

Oceanographic surveys

I would like to take this opportunity to declare that within the next few months, NARA will be deploying a new research vessel fully geared to conduct hydrographic and oceanographic surveys and research in the marine environment. I am quite confident that it will be a great boost to the National Hydrographic Office of NARA to cater to the national needs in keeping with the vision for future development of the country. The discipline of hydrography encourages many aquatic fields including, fisheries, environment, defence, exploration for hydrocarbon and oceanborned surveys in addition to maritime affairs.

I am also confident that the developed maritime nations who are represented at this meeting will extend their generous support and guidance to reap the maximum benefits in time to come. Leaving that thought in your mind I would like to conclude my speech by wishing all of you every success in your deliberations. ‘Aubowan’.