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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.
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 01 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat and apprehended 11 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan of Kareinagar, Jaffna.
The Northern Naval Command spotted a group of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into Sri Lankan waters. In response, naval craft of the Northern Naval Command were deployed to drive away those Indian fishing boats from island waters off Kovilan.
Meanwhile, compliant boarding made by naval personnel resulted in the seizure of one Indian fishing boat and apprehension of 11 Indian fishermen who continued to engage in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
The seized boat (01) and Indian fishermen (11) were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
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Tri-Forces donate LKR. 372 million, a day’s pay of all ranks to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
Members of all ranks from the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force have collectively donated a day’s basic salary to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which was established to restore livelihoods and rebuild the country following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Accordingly, the total contribution made by the Tri-Forces amounts to LKR. 372,776,918.28.
The cheques representing the financial contributions were handed over on Wednesday (31 December) at the Presidential Secretariat to the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The donations comprised LKR. 250 million from the Commander of the Army, Major General Lasantha Rodrigo; LKR. 73,963,879.71 from the Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and LKR. 48,813,038.97 from the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe.
Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, was also present on the occasion.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) seeking an 11.57 percent increase in electricity tariffs for the first quarter of 2026, citing an estimated revenue shortfall and additional financial pressures, including cyclone-related damages.
According to documents issued by the PUCSL, the proposed tariff revision would apply to electricity consumption from January to March 2026 and includes changes to both energy charges and fixed monthly charges across all consumer categories, including domestic, religious, industrial, commercial and other users.
Under the proposal, domestic electricity consumers would face increases in unit rates as well as fixed monthly charges across all consumption blocks.
The CEB has estimated a deficit of Rs. 13,094 million for the first quarter of 2026, which it says necessitates the proposed 11.57 per cent tariff hike. The utility has noted that any deviation from this estimate whether a surplus or a shortfall will be adjusted through the Bulk Supply Tariff Adjustment (BSTA) mechanism and taken into account in the next tariff revision.
In its submission, the CEB said the proposed revision is aimed at ensuring the financial and operational stability of the power sector and mitigating potential risks to the reliability of electricity supply. The board-approved tariff structure for the first quarter of 2026 has been submitted to the PUCSL for approval and subsequent implementation, as outlined in Annex II of the proposal.
The CEB has also highlighted the financial impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which it said caused extensive damage to electricity infrastructure, with total losses estimated at around Rs. 20 billion. Of this amount, Rs. 7,016.52 million has been attributed to the first quarter of 2026, which the utility said has a direct bearing on electricity tariffs.
The CEB warned that if external funding is not secured to cover the cyclone-related expenditure, the costs incurred would need to be recovered through electricity tariffs in the second-quarter revision of 2026.
Meanwhile, the PUCSL has said that a decision on whether to approve the proposed tariff increase will be made only after following due regulatory procedures and holding discussions on the matter.
By Sujeewa Thathsara ✍️
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