Dr Sarath Obeysekera

What can be done ?

Dr Sarath Obeysekera  Chairman EDB Advisory Board to develop Marine and offshore Industry 

 1 Establish a National Blue Economy Authority (NBEA)

• Why: Today, responsibilities are fragmented across Fisheries, Ports, Environment, Tourism, and Energy ministries.

• Action: A single statutory body under the President or Prime Minister to coordinate policy, licensing, research, and investor facilitation.

• Model: Similar to Seychelles’ Blue Economy Department or Mauritius Ocean Economy Unit.

2 Create a National Marine Spatial Plan

• Map Sri Lanka’s EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), coastal waters, shipping lanes, fishing grounds, offshore wind/oil/gas blocks, and marine biodiversity areas.

• This gives clarity for investors and prevents overlap and environmental damage.

• Partner with UNDP, World Bank, and IMO for technical support.

3 Prioritize High-Value Marine Sectors

Short term (2–5 years):

• Port-led development (ship repair, bunkering, offshore support bases in Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Colombo).

• Aquaculture and sustainable fisheries (tuna, shrimp, seaweed).

• Marine tourism (cruise berths, diving, whale watching hubs).

Medium/long term (5–15 years):

• Offshore renewable energy (wind, wave, ocean thermal).

• Deep-sea mineral exploration (in compliance with UNCLOS).

• Marine biotech (pharmaceuticals from marine organisms).

4 Financing Mechanisms

• Issue “Blue Bonds” or partner with development banks for concessional funding (Seychelles raised USD 15M via a Blue Bond).

• Establish a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) platform for marine infrastructure and services.

• Incentivize Sri Lankan diaspora investment with tax breaks or co-investment schemes.

5 Skills & Technology Development

• Set up marine vocational training centers (welding, ship repair, offshore oil & gas support, renewable energy technicians).

• Partner with universities to create blue economy degree programs and research labs.

• Offer scholarships/apprenticeships in countries with advanced marine sectors (Norway, Singapore).

6 Modernize Legal & Policy Framework

• Update Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act to include sustainability quotas.

• Fast-track licensing for aquaculture, renewable energy, and shipyard developments with clear environmental safeguards.

• Enforce anti-IUU (Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated) fishing regulations.

7 Regional & International Partnerships

• Leverage Sri Lanka’s role in IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) and IMO to attract technical and financial support.

• Build joint ventures with India, Japan, and EU for shipbuilding, port management, and marine R&D.

• Negotiate better fisheries access agreements with international fleets to ensure fair benefit-sharing.

7 Public Awareness & Stakeholder Engagement

• A blue economy cannot succeed without local fishermen, coastal communities, and SMEs being partners.

• Create community co-management areas and benefit-sharing mechanisms.

• Launch a nationwide campaign explaining why the blue economy matters for jobs, food security, and climate resilience.

8 Governance & Anti-Corruption Safeguards

• Transparent tendering and monitoring systems to prevent the kind of rent-seeking and political capture that has plagued past marine projects.

• Independent auditing of blue economy funds.

9 Pilot Projects to Show Quick Wins

• Modern fish landing and cold storage hubs.

• A designated offshore lay-up and ship repair facility in Trincomalee.

• Seaweed farming cooperatives for export.

• A marine tourism corridor with high standards (Maritime museums, diving parks).

Bottom line

Sri Lanka already has the geography, the people, and the legal rights (over 500,000 sq. km of ocean area). What it needs is centralized coordination, investor-friendly policies, and skill development. A few visible successes (Trinco offshore yard, Hambantota bunkering hub, or seaweed export) can unlock the rest.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera