Pathfinder Centre for Law of the Sea Director addresses Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka

Pathfinder Foundation Centre for Law of the Sea Director Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage delivered a public lecture titled ‘Ocean Wealth and Ocean Health’ at the Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL). The lecture was organised by the Civil Engineering Sectional Committee of the IESL and attended by interested participants representing mainly the Sri Lanka Navy and NGOs. 

IESL established in 1956 was the successor to the then Engineering Association of Ceylon, which was founded in 1906 and at present it has a membership of about 13,000 engineering professionals of all branches of engineering, serving in all parts of Sri Lanka and abroad. 

Admiral Colombage stated that the world oceans play an important role in sustenance of the planet earth and humankind. However, 95% of the underwater world remains unexploited. This is a clear indication of the hidden, unknown potential of the ocean. Over the years people have come to understand the potential and dynamic behaviour of the oceans and also the need to maintain the balance of the oceans. The oceans need to be managed. There is a need to look beyond state jurisdiction of territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and to treat oceans as a maritime common.Since the oceans are dynamic, management of it also should be dynamic. It is necessary to study and research about critical marine habitats and threatened species. There is also a need to preserve oceans for the sake of present and future generations. It is recorded that 80% of ocean pollution starts on land. We keep dumping plastics, industrial waste and untreated sewer in to the ocean and nearly 40% world oceans are affected by human activities, depleted fisheries and loss of coastal habitats. 

Admiral Colombage also stated, “Oceans are fundamental to the health of our planet – the very livelihood of earth’s eco systems. To survive and prosper, mankind needs a harmonious relationship with the oceans of our planet.”