Sri Lanka, Indonesia to strengthen cooperation in Marine and Fisheries Sector

Sri Lanka and Indonesia have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the marine and fisheries sector, following discussions between Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Indonesia and ASEAN, Sashikala Premawardhane, and Secretary General of Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Dr. Andy Artha Donny Oktopura.

The meeting was held on 6 August 2026 at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in Indonesia.

The two sides agreed to review and renew the existing framework agreement on cooperation in the marine and fisheries sector, with particular emphasis on the early establishment of a Joint Technical Committee.

Discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in aquaculture and mariculture, including the breeding of fish species such as milkfish, grouper and barramundi.

The importance of exchanging technical expertise, conducting reciprocal study visits and exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka was also highlighted during the meeting.

Another key outcome was an agreement to establish a maritime dialogue mechanism between Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

The Indonesian side also reaffirmed its readiness to provide support to small-scale ornamental fish farmers affected by Cyclone Ditwah in November last year, following a request from the Government of Sri Lanka.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta.