IORA DAY COMMEMORATION 2024 HELD AT GALLE FACE GREEN

Sri Lanka commemorates the IORA Day today (10 March) under the theme ‘Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations,’ organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Ministry of Education and the Sri Lanka Navy. The inauguration ceremony of the main event of IORA Day 2024 held at Galle Face Green in Colombo with stalls displaying various ocean-related activities was graced by His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the chief guest.

The president extended warm congratulations and encouraged the continuation of such endeavors, recognizing their timely importance. Additionally, the chief guest took time to visit the stalls set up by both Sri Lanka and the participating member states.

IORA Day 2024 focused on educating and engaging future generations on the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable practices to preserve oceans for the future. Among the activities held were an Island-wide Art Competition and an Essay Competition under the IORA umbrella for schoolchildren in association with the Ministry of Education where they were presented with certificates and valuable gifts by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Ali Sabry and State Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Tharaka Balasuriya.

At the invitation extended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms Aruni Wijewardane, the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended the occasion. Attending the event, the CDS also congratulated the organisers and appreciated the continued effort of the member states.

Opportunities are provided for 900 school children on a short excursion out to sea by the Sri Lanka Navy. Several other ocean-related activities are taking part targeting the participation of children island-wide, drawing awareness to the importance of ocean sustainability. These activities were coordinated by the Sri Lanka Navy and other ocean-related agencies. The event's excitement and glamour were heightened by captivating military para jumps and a dazzling police cavalry display, drawing in both invitees and participants alike.

The event was also attended by the diplomats, envoys from IORA member states, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, senior government officials, school children, and many distinguished invitees.