News
Sri Lanka pledges to lead IORA as its new Chair with “transparency, inclusivity, and ambition”
In a powerful opening address to the 24th Council of Ministers Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism, Vijitha Herath, called on member states to embrace collective responsibility and take urgent action to preserve the Indian Ocean’s rich resources and ensure regional prosperity.
Delivering the welcome address as the newly-appointed Chair of IORA, Minister Herath said that the Indian Ocean is far more than a geographical entity — it is a shared heritage and a critical artery of global trade and biodiversity. “It supports the livelihoods of billions and connects our people, our economies, and our aspirations,” he told a distinguished gathering of ministers, diplomats, and high-level officials from across the region.
Herath warned that the Indian Ocean now stands at a crossroads, threatened by climate change, marine pollution, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, and rising geopolitical tensions. “These are not future threats — they are current realities,” he said, urging member states to respond with a united and decisive front.
The Minister highlighted that the meeting provides a vital platform to transform challenges into opportunities by advancing regional cooperation, inclusive development, and environmental stewardship. “Let us be guided by unity and shared responsibility,” he urged. “Let us reaffirm our belief in the values of IORA — dialogue, inclusiveness, and respect for sovereignty.”
Key priorities discussed in his opening remarks included strengthening the Blue Economy, ensuring maritime safety and security, building climate resilience, and empowering women and youth. Without naming India, a notable focus was placed on tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which he identified as a major threat to regional food security and marine ecosystems.
Herath proposed that the Council move beyond adoption of guidelines and commit to a comprehensive implementation plan supported by capacity building, shared information systems, and cooperative monitoring mechanisms. “This would reflect our collective resolve to protect marine biodiversity and promote equitable access to ocean resources,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s full commitment to the vision and goals of IORA. “We believe the Indian Ocean should be a zone of peace, prosperity, and partnership,” he said, while encouraging Member States to increase collaboration, share best practices, and invest in research and development.
As Chair, Sri Lanka pledged to lead the Association with “transparency, inclusivity, and ambition,” aiming to strengthen bridges across the region and enhance engagement with Dialogue Partners.
Closing his remarks, Minister Herath called on all present to rise to the moment. “Let us work together — not only for today but for the generations to come,” he said, setting a cooperative and forward-looking tone for the deliberations to follow.
The 24th IORA Council of Ministers Meeting is expected to produce key decisions and action-oriented outcomes to guide the region’s future in sustainable development, maritime cooperation, and geopolitical stability.
Advisory for strong winds and rough seas for Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal deep sea areas
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 05.00 p.m. 18 September 2026, valid for the next 24 hours.
PLEASE BE AWARE!
The atmospheric disturbance to the North of the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, is likely to develop into a low pressure area within the next 24 hours.
Due to its influence, wind speed over the Bay of Bengal sea areas will increase during the next few days starting from
tomorrow (19th).
The wind speed in the sea areas marked under the “Advisory” category on the map below will increase to 55-65 kmph at times and those sea areas will be rough or very rough at times.
Navel and fishing communities engaging the activities over this sea area are advised to be vigilant and be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the department of Meteorology in this regards.
Text and Pic by Priyan de Silva
Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) Ranga Dissanayake has questioned whether some promises contained in the National People’s Power (NPP) manifesto, A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life, could be fulfilled even if the government wanted to implement them.
Dissanayake raised the issue during a discussion following the release of the third biannual report on manifesto monitoring by the March 12 Movement, at the BMICH, on Wednesday.
He questioned whether the report had taken into account legal and institutional constraints affecting the implementation of certain pledges.
Citing the proposal to establish Anti-Corruption Investigation Offices in each district, Dissanayake said such offices could be established only with the agreement of CIABOC and that amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act would be necessary.
He also referred to the pledge to abolish the Executive Presidency, noting that successive governments had made similar commitments since 1994. He questioned whether there had been adequate consideration of where the powers vested in the Executive President would be transferred if the system were abolished.
On the proposal to establish a Public Prosecutor, Dissanayake questioned whether the Government intended to maintain the office alongside the Attorney General, who currently performs prosecution-related functions.
Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) Manjula Gajanayake said Dissanayake’s remarks should be regarded as his personal views and not as Government policy.
Monitoring and Evaluation Consultants M. Thilakarajah and D.D. Mataharaarachchi presented the third-phase findings, covering January to June 2026.
The corruption case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, and Yoshitha Rajapaksa was set for a pre-trial conference by the Colombo High Court.
The case was taken up before the Colombo High Court on Thursday (17), when the accused, who are currently out on bail, appeared before the court. After considering the submissions made, the court ordered that the case be called for a pre-trial conference.
The CIABOC had filed the case against the accused, alleging that a corruption offence was committed by sending Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, for training at the Royal Naval College in the United Kingdom despite him not having the required qualifications.
Advisory for strong winds and rough seas for Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal
Showers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya Districts
Some NPP manifesto promises may be difficult to fulfil – CIABOC DG
Yoshitha and ex-Navy chief Karannagoda’s case fixed for PTC
Court orders probe into Wimal’s rally speech
Court to rule on Dilith’s writ petition on September 30
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News6 days agoGnanasara Thero absconding after SC ruling
-
Opinion5 days agoFrom Galkissa (Mount Lavinia) to Tambuttegama
-
Business6 days agoHNB Finance strengthens Board with four independent directors
-
News2 days agoUS embassy won’t comment on IGP’s probe into joint drug raid
-
Sports6 days agoCulture within cricket team worrying authorities
-
Features5 days agoSri Lanka’s university crisis: Brain drain and union action demand urgent reform
-
Features4 days agoThe emptying university: why are academics leaving?
-
News6 days agoHouse to debate 22A, Judicature Bill next week