Sri Lanka moves to strengthen security and environmental protection at fishery harbours
Sri Lanka is preparing a comprehensive action plan to strengthen environmental protection and security at fishery harbours and coastal areas, following a progress review held on August 5, 2026.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Environment, reviewed ongoing measures to prevent marine and coastal pollution and protect fishery harbours, surrounding islands and coastal ecosystems.
It was co-chaired by Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody and Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).
Officials reviewed progress made since the first meeting held in May 2026, including the implementation of decisions aimed at addressing environmental problems in coastal areas and improving security arrangements at fishery harbours across Sri Lanka.
The meeting also reviewed the work of a joint committee established after the initial discussion. The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and includes representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Environment, Fisheries and Tourism, together with government and non-government stakeholders.
Its main purpose is to coordinate national efforts to strengthen sustainable marine and coastal conservation.
Following directives issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the discussion also focused on identifying security gaps at fishery harbours and preparing practical recommendations to improve safety and environmental protection.
Participants highlighted the need to improve waste management, strengthen preparedness for oil and chemical spills, introduce better fire prevention measures and take stronger action against other threats to the coastal environment.
The joint committee is expected to prepare a comprehensive action plan identifying priority environmental concerns and proposing sustainable solutions.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff and senior officials of the Sri Lanka Navy, the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, the Director of the Marine Division of the Sri Lanka Police and the Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Representatives of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation also participated.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Environment and its affiliated institutions were present, including the Director General of the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management, along with representatives from the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), Department of Forest Conservation and Department of Wildlife Conservation.