SRI LANKA ADVANCES ITS NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION FOR SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES
The two-day National Validation Workshop on the Development of the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) concluded on 28 October 2026 in Negombo, Sri Lanka, marking an important step towards developing a national action plan for the country’s small-scale fisheries sector.
Organised by the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, in collaboration with BOBP-IGO, with technical oversight from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the workshop brought together stakeholders to validate the draft Intervention Logic and establish a roadmap for finalising the NPOA-SSF.
The discussions focused on six key thematic areas: responsible governance of tenure, sustainable resource management, social development and decent work, gender equality, value chains and post-harvest trade, and disaster risk and climate change. Participants also worked towards developing a preliminary logframe, workplan and drafting plan, drawing on consultations with fishing communities and other stakeholders across nine locations in eight coastal districts.
At the valedictory session, Dr. P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP-IGO, presented the summary of the workshop proceedings, bringing together the key discussions and outcomes of the two-day deliberations. The session also featured remarks from fishing community representatives and FAO, followed by addresses from the Guest of Honour, Mr. Darshana Wijesiriwardana, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, and the Chief Guest, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary of the Ministry and Chair of the National Advisory Committee.
The workshop marks a significant milestone in translating stakeholder consultations into a structured national plan, with clear priorities and a pathway towards implementation for Sri Lanka’s small-scale fisheries.
BOBP-IGO continues to support national and regional efforts to strengthen small-scale fisheries, promote sustainable resource management and build resilient fishing livelihoods across the Bay of Bengal region.
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