LKI Brings Together Experts to Chart the Future of Marine Science Research (MSR) in Sri Lanka

September 1, 2025    Reading Time: 2 minutes

Reading Time: 2 min read

On 31 July 2025, the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and
Strategic Studies (LKI) hosted a high-level panel discussion titled “Marine Science Research
(MSR) and Sri Lanka’s National Interest” at the Lighthouse Auditorium in Colombo. This
closed-door session brought together a distinguished group of policymakers, academics,
marine science experts, and institutional stakeholders to deliberate on the future of marine
science in Sri Lanka and its relevance to the country’s strategic, economic, and
environmental priorities.

The event was moderated by Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathna (Retd.), Board Member of LKI
and former Chief Hydrographer. The event had presentations by the National
Hydrographer and invited Universities of Ruhuna, Wayamba and the Ocean University of
Sri Lanka. These presentations highlighted recent marine science research activities,
academic outputs over the past decade, and the involvement of students and graduates in
the field. Rear Admiral Prasanna Kosala Warnakulasooriya, the National Hydrographer,
addressed the necessity of establishing the centralised National Ocean Science Data
Repository to support evidence-based policymaking and reinforce sovereign ocean
governance for the island State.

The panel discussion that followed featured Dr. K. Arulananthan, Director General of the
National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Prof. P.B. Turney
Pradeep Kumara, Director General of the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource
Management Department (CC&CRMD), and Dr. Asha de Vos, renowned marine biologist,
educator, and Executive Director of Oceanswell, as panellists. Together, they offered
diverse insights into national needs, existing gaps, and strategic guidance based on their
upbringing as marine scientists.

The expert panel underscored that, as an island nation, marine science research is a
national priority and encompasses many facets of the island’s activities, from climate
change to the economy. The interactive session highlighted the need for greater
collaborative mechanisms among the Government agencies and Universities in developing
a knowledge base of the maritime environment.

LKI is planning to design several discussions among stakeholder agencies to bridge the
gaps in policy and development of marine science in due course.