The Sri Lankan Cabinet has granted approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland for collaboration within the Maritime States Partnership Programme. This strategic move aligns with the global emphasis placed by the UK and Northern Ireland governments on ocean health initiatives.
The UK and Northern Ireland are leading worldwide endeavors to safeguard ocean health, notably by aiming to preserve at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030. Additionally, they are establishing the Blue Planet Fund, allocated with 500 million euros, dedicated to fostering marine conservation efforts and cultivating a sustainable blue economy.
Under the purview of these ambitions, the UK’s Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs has developed an array of programs, including the Maritime States Partnership Program. This initiative aims to extend support to eligible nations, with Sri Lanka identified as one such beneficiary.
The proposed MoU seeks to formalize cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UK-Northern Ireland alliance, facilitating engagement within the Maritime States Partnership Programme. In line with this initiative, consultations have been sought from the Department of Foreign Resources and other pertinent ministries regarding the draft MoU.
Following due consideration, the Cabinet of Ministers has endorsed the proposal put forth by the Minister of Environment to proceed with signing the relevant Memorandum of Understanding.
