A high-level discussion to enhance bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands in the fields of fisheries and aquatic resources was held at the Parliamentary Complex between Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Netherlands’ Deputy Ambassador to Sri Lanka Iwan Rutjens. Ministry Secretary Dr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa was also in attendance.
Deputy Ambassador Rutjens underscored the longstanding historical and cultural ties between the two nations, highlighting the Dutch legacy in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. He stressed the importance of safeguarding Dutch-built heritage sites, while also opening avenues for new development projects in the region. Dutch experts have already visited Jaffna, and Rutjens expressed his government’s keen interest in supporting heritage preservation efforts.
The Dutch footprint in Jaffna remains prominent, with landmarks such as the Jaffna Fort—originally built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch into its unique pentagon shape—standing as symbols of this shared history. Post-war, the Netherlands funded major restoration work on the Fort. Similarly, the ruins of the Dutch Kachcheri, and the Dutch-influenced islands of Delft and Kayts, continue to reflect this deep-rooted heritage.
While acknowledging these historic ties, Minister Chandrasekar sought Dutch technical expertise to advance Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector. Among his key proposals was the rehabilitation of the Oluvil Fisheries Harbour, currently unusable due to sand accumulation. He requested a sustainable technical solution, to which Rutjens assured consultations with Dutch companies, adding that concessional soft loan support may be considered if viable solutions are identified.
The Minister also proposed introducing environmentally friendly floating jetties in the Valaichchenai Lagoon in place of traditional concrete structures. He requested Dutch assistance in feasibility studies and environmental assessments, given Sri Lanka’s lack of prior experience in this field.
Additionally, Sri Lanka sought Dutch collaboration in aquatic plant tissue culture, particularly the micro-propagation of aquatic ferns. The Ministry expressed interest in partnerships between Dutch experts and local institutions, including NARA, NAQDA, and private sector stakeholders. In response, Rutjens welcomed the proposal, assuring that the Embassy would facilitate connections with Dutch universities and specialists to establish a structured knowledge-sharing programme.
