Peace, Prosperity and Ocean Conservation of the Indian Ocean Region.
The Indian Ocean is of incomparable worth due to its diversity of rich culture and incomparable resources. It has now in fact become one of the most thriving and competitive Maritime Routes of Global Trade. The growing demand, to use this critical sea artery is causing a magnitude of sea traffic, that is exponential, therefore every effort must be taken, to keep uninterrupted, the vital Global Trade passing through all such Connecting Global Sea routes.
Therefore IOSRC- “the Indian Ocean Strategic Research Centre” in collaboration with WiLAT – “Women in Logistics and Transport ” has initiated the much-needed collective consultative regional discourse to address, ensuing challenges and opportunities that are progressively evolving in this vibrant maritime region of the Indian Ocean. Hence the areas of Sustainability, Security, Ocean Conservation and Maritime Law were deliberated over a Collective Consultative Event that was held at the Jubilee Ballroom of Galle Face Hotel on the 1st of February 2024. This event saw the participation of Interdisciplinary Stakeholders, Global Leaders,Experts and Academics, who united with the goal of achieving Unhampered Prosperity, Peace and Preservation of Oceanic Wealth, to benefit nations and generations to follow.
For this Global conference Dr Fredrik Haag IMO-International Maritime Organisation Head of London Convention, Protocol and Ocean Affairs was the Guest of Honour and the Keynote Speaker. Hon Nimal Siripala De Silva Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation delivered a message as the Chief Guest. Dr Dan Malika Gunasekara expert on Maritime Law delivered an important lecture on International Covants and Obligations and the emerging Challenges of Terrorism and Piracy, on Global Maritime Arteries. Mr Harikrishshan Sundaram CEO Colombo West International Terminal Pvt Ltd explained the strategic role played by India to maintain Peace and Prosperity in Global Maritime Trade and the vital investments made by India in the Maritime Industry. He also addressed the emerging challenges and demands faced by the Blue Economy.
Panel of Experts who discussed the Opportunities and Challenges of the Indian Ocean Region and other Global Maritime Ports of Call were Mr Chevaan Daniel, Executive Group Director Capital Maharaja Group, Mr Biju Ravi Managing Director Maersk Lanka Pvt Ltd and Prof Ruchira Cumaratunga Emiritas Professor Microbiology, Founding Dean of Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science and Technology, who explained the need for Conservation of Oceanic Eco Systems, the Potential of Sri Lanka’s vital location and the challenges of Increased Freight Cost and Insurance due to the Current Security Threats developing in the Red Sea region and it’s connecting Maritime Arteries.