September 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and France have formalised a bilateral agreement to create a Regional Centre for Maritime Studies in Sri Lanka, according to the nation’s Foreign Ministry.
This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
The agreement was signed by General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, and Marie-Noëlle Duris, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the French Embassy in Colombo, during a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday.
The new Regional Centre for Maritime Studies is set to become a Centre of Excellence, focusing on academic and training collaborations.
Its primary objectives include enhancing maritime safety and security, conserving the marine environment, and addressing marine pollution in the Indian Ocean.
Additionally, the Centre will play a key role in advancing research and practical solutions for maritime challenges, fostering cooperation between regional and global stakeholders.
The establishment of this Centre underlines the growing importance of the Indian Ocean as a strategic hub for maritime activities and environmental preservation.
Through this collaboration, Sri Lanka aims to further position itself as a leader in maritime studies, while France strengthens its engagement in the region.
The partnership also signals a broader commitment to sustainable marine practices and enhanced maritime governance, addressing critical concerns such as pollution and climate change.
This agreement represents a significant stride in regional diplomacy and underscores the shared priorities of Sri Lanka and France in maintaining maritime stability and environmental stewardship in the Indian Ocean.
