APD | Sri Lanka keen to ensure freedom of navigation in Indian Ocean

By APD writer Easwaran

COLOMBO, Aug 19 (APD) - Sri Lanka is keen to ensure freedom of navigation and lines of communication in the Indian Ocean Peace Zone, Sri Lanka's Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha said.

Aryasinha said that the Indian Ocean has today been acknowledged as one of the world’s busiest and most critical trade corridors, carrying two-thirds of global oil shipments and a third of bulk cargo and hosting the most critical Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs), directly impacting global trade and economy.

“Sri Lanka as a country central to this region, while protecting its self-interest, is keen to ensure freedom of navigation and lines of communication, which were an essential prerequisite not only to maintaining regional security and stability, but is also crucial for the future prosperity of the region,” the Foreign Secretary said.

The Foreign Ministry, on Sunday, quoted the Foreign Secretary as saying this at the First Meeting of the IORA Maritime Safety and Security (MSS) Working Group chaired by Sri Lanka and held in Colombo with the participation of 22 foreign delegates representing IORA member countries and representatives of the IORA Secretariat.

The First Meeting of the IORA Maritime Safety and Security (MSS) Working Group had finalized the Work Plan for action.

Inaugurating the meeting Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha recalling Sri Lanka’s role in spearheading the Indian Ocean Peace Zone proposal in 1971, said at the time few recognized the importance of the concept. He said it was pleasing to note that times have changed.

The Colombo meeting chaired by Director General of Ocean Affairs, Environment and Climate Change of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, was an intense exercise to agree on a Work Plan on consensus basis of a 50-page document.

The Work Plan for an initial period of 02 years, was based on 03 overarching objectives; building the foundation for a collaborative IORA MSS Framework, establishing an integrated policy approach on MSS, and establishing a Coordinated Regional Vision for MSS in IORA to address existing and emerging issues.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)