RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — A high-level bilateral meeting held on Friday, April 10 at the Parliament Complex as a significant step forward in strengthening fisheries cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The discussion brought together Maldivian High Commissioner Masood Imad, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Secretary to the Ministry Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa.
The meeting primarily focused on preparations for the upcoming official visit of the Maldivian President to Sri Lanka next month. In parallel, both sides engaged in extensive discussions on expanding collaboration within the fisheries sector—an area of critical economic importance for both island nations.
Minister Chandrasekhar highlighted the strong potential for mutual growth through the exchange of industry knowledge and expertise. He emphasized that Sri Lanka’s developing canned fish industry, when combined with the Maldives’ abundant fresh fish resources, could create new opportunities for producing value-added seafood products. Such collaboration could help both countries diversify their fisheries output and tap into new markets.
A key area of interest for both parties was the processing and manufacturing of fish products in Sri Lanka specifically for export to the Maldivian market. This initiative is expected to enhance efficiency and create additional revenue streams, while also strengthening trade ties between the two nations.
The discussion also addressed current trade inefficiencies. At present, certain “Made in Sri Lanka” products are exported to the Maldives indirectly via Dubai. Both sides explored the possibility of establishing direct trade channels to eliminate intermediaries, thereby reducing costs and improving profitability.
Minister Chandrasekhar noted that enabling direct exports would generate substantial economic benefits for both Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The move is also expected to improve supply chain efficiency and reinforce bilateral economic cooperation.
Overall, the meeting underscored a shared commitment to deepening partnerships in the fisheries sector, with a clear focus on innovation, value addition, and streamlined trade. The upcoming presidential visit is anticipated to further solidify these initiatives and pave the way for long-term collaboration.
