The future prosperity of Sri Lanka depends on how well we control our geographical location as a sea hub and utilizes the marine resources effectively in the surrounding sea. Our location in the Indian Ocean has shaped our history over a long period of time and will continue to do so in the future. New consumer markets are emerging all across Asia and the major economies of China, Japan and India contribute to the growth of the maritime activities in the busy east-west shipping route which is only a few nautical miles south of the island. On this route, more than 150,000 ships annually carry two-thirds of the world’s oil supply and a half of total ocean freight. Furthermore, Sri Lanka has the jurisdiction for its seabed resources up to 200 nautical miles and we have claimed beyond 200 nautical miles under the United Nations Convention of the Law of Sea since geographic conditions support that our river sediments reached far beyond.

Thus, Sri Lanka’s situation in the nautical corridor between the East and West and its natural resources in the surrounding sea has become important for the future development of the country. We as a nation need to reposition our country to maximize these advantages. To fully tap this potential, Sri Lanka needs to develop its human resources and the Ocean University of Sri Lanka has to equip itself to cater this important task. At present, the University offers marine, maritime and fisheries related BSc degree programs in the fields of Engineering, Logistics and Transport and Sciences. Further, it offers skill sector NVQ level diplomas and certificates courses in the same areas from its network of regional centers.

Prof. Nalin Ratnayake
Vice Chancellor/Ocean University of Sri Lanka