Sri Lanka Champions a Greener, Safer Indian Ocean

COLOMBO (News 1st); As the current Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Sri Lanka successfully convened the 24th Meeting of the IORA Council of Ministers and the 27th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials from May 19 to 21, 2025.

The high-level sessions were held virtually under the theme “Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations.”

Delivering Sri Lanka’s opening statement, Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism, underscored the critical importance of lasting peace in the Indian Ocean region as a foundation for sustainable development, regional security, and economic resilience.

Minister Herath reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering a cohesive, inclusive, and forward-looking Indian Ocean community.

He emphasized the need for collaborative regional action to ensure the long-term sustainability, security, and prosperity of the Indian Ocean — a region that is home to over 2.7 billion people and serves as a vital artery for global trade and biodiversity.