LKIIRSS Hosts University of Jaffna Law Students for Educational Programme on Maritime Governance

July 27, 2026    Reading Time: < 1 minute

Reading Time: < 1 min read

On 23 July 2026, the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS) welcomed final-year undergraduate students and academic representatives from the Department of Law, University of Jaffna, for an educational visit focused on maritime governance and the Law of the Sea. The programme commenced with an introduction to the Institute’s work in international relations, strategic studies and public policy research, providing participants with an overview of LKIIRSS’ role in advancing policy dialogue and academic engagement. The visit also featured a guest lecture by Rear Admiral (Retd.) Y. N. Jayarathna on “Sri Lanka’s Future as an Island State in the Evolving Geostrategic Landscape”, which examined the country’s maritime significance, emerging geopolitical dynamics and strategic priorities within the Indian Ocean region.

The programme further included an interactive workshop on the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), conducted by LKIIRSS Senior Research Fellows, Ms. Nillasi Liyanage and Ms. Piyumani Ranasinghe, together with Research Intern, Ms. Hansani Dharmasooriya. Through the discussions, participants explored the Agreement’s legal and policy implications for Sri Lanka while engaging with broader issues relating to ocean governance and sustainable use of marine resources. The programme concluded with a visit to the Port City Colombo which provided the students with an opportunity to connect academic learning with contemporary policy challenges.

LKI remains committed to fostering academic collaboration and creating opportunities that encourage informed dialogue between students, researchers and practitioners on issues of national and international importance.