Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) Member States attended the Twenty Sixth Meeting hosted by Sri Lanka as Chair of the IORA from 30 – 31 May 2024. The Two day meeting held in virtual mode from 30 to 31 May was chaired by Additional Secretary/ Economic Affairs Shanika Dissanayake.
In her opening remarks, Additional Secretary welcomed the delegates representing the twenty three (23) Member States of IORA and stated that Sri Lanka as Chair of IORA has been proactively working towards ensuring that the objectives of IORA are met in the interest of the region. She further added that Sri Lanka would remain engaged in matters relating to the IORA Agenda beyond the meetings in Colombo to ensure that a common vision for the region is realized.
The 26th CSO Meeting took stock of the progress made under the mandated IORA programmes including the Centre of Excellence on Ocean Sciences and Environment that will be established at the Ocean University of Sri Lanka during Sri Lanka’s chairmanship.
The Sri Lanka delegation was led by the Director General of Ocean Affairs, Environment and Climate Change Rizvi Hassen.
IORA Secretary General Dr. Salman Al Farisi, Joint Secretary (Indo-Pacific & Oceania) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India Paramita Tripathi representing the Vice Chair of IORA, Director General of Maritime Affairs Unit Mohammad Rafiqul Alam representing the IORA Past Chair also delivered remarks at the opening session of the Senior Officials Committee Meeting.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
