High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

The 24^th  Council of Ministers (COM) Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) successfully concluded on 21^st May 2025 under the Chairmanship of Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of Sri Lanka. The meeting was preceded by the 27th Meeting of the Committee of IORA Senior Officials, held from 19–20 May 2025 and chaired by Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja under the theme “Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations.” The meetings were held in the virtual format.

Prime Minister, Foreign Ministers and senior representatives from 23 IORA Member States and 12 Dialogue Partners participated at the COM along with the Secretary General of IORA. Deliberations focused on advancing cooperation in IORA’s six priority areas: Trade and Investment, Maritime Safety and Security, Fisheries Management, Disaster Risk Management, Academic, Science and Technology Cooperation, Blue Economy and Women’s Economic Empowerment. The Council considered recommendations put forward by the Senior Officials at their meeting yesterday.

The Ministers adopted the IORA Guidelines on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, as well as IORA’s Climate Agenda, both significant steps towards promoting environmental sustainability in the region. The Council also welcomed the European Union as its newest Dialogue Partner, further strengthening the Association’s international engagement. The Colombo Communiqué, highlighting progress achieved since the previous COM held in October 2023, was also adopted by the 24^th COM.

During its 2023–2025 Chairmanship, under the theme “Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity,” Sri Lanka has led several key initiatives at IORA. Highlights include the commemoration of IORA Day 2024, which engaged over 800 students, and the inaugural IORA Business Conclave in Colombo, co-hosted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce which brought together more than 200 regional business leaders in May 2024. Preparations are also underway to launch a digital platform of a IORA Center of Excellence on Ocean Sciences and Environment together with the Ocean University of Sri Lanka during the course of this year.

As the IORA   Chair, Sri Lanka remains focused on strengthening regional cooperation and promoting sustainable development of the Indian Ocean region.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

Colombo

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) The 24th Meeting of the Council of Ministers

THE COLOMBO COMMUNIQUE - 21st May 2025