A landmark Marine Conference was held for the first time in Sri Lanka, by the Indian Ocean Marine Affairs Cooperation (IOMAC) Secretariat in collaboration with several government institutions and non-government entities specialized in the field. It was held on December 14 at the BMICH. The well-attended forum aimed at reviewing the developments and the progress made so far in order to bring about a collective partnership to achieve effective marine conservation.
Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage delivered the keynote address.
Among the professionals who were recognized for their work in supporting environment work were two tourism industry personnel, Chitral Jayatilake and Srilal Miththapala, who were awarded the Marine Conservation Forum Award for their โoutstanding service with the travel industry in promoting Nature tourism and marine conservation.โ