IMO Statement by High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom and the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Nimal Senadheera, delivered a General Statement at the 34th Regular Session of the IMO Assembly on 25 November 2025, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing safe, secure, and sustainable maritime practices. In his statement, High Commissioner Senadheera emphasised the strategic role of Sri Lanka as a maritime hub in the Indian Ocean and outlined national priorities in developing the Blue Economy, including vessel manufacturing, offshore services, marine tourism, energy exploration, and investment in human capital and technological innovation. He highlighted the Voyage Sri Lanka 2025 Conference as a key initiative bringing together global experts to chart a path for maritime innovation and growth. He also underscored Sri Lanka’s alignment with the IMO’s vision of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, pledging to develop infrastructure for green fuels and technologies while ensuring that the transition to net zero is just, inclusive, and equitable for climate-vulnerable nations.

Further, he called for enhanced technical cooperation within the IMO to support Global South countries, greater inclusivity in Council representation, and collaborative efforts to safeguard food security and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods and energy via sea routes. He expressed concern about the underrepresentation of the South Asia region, which home to roughly 26% of the world’s population, within the IMO Council. Concluding his remarks, the High Commissioner reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s readiness to work with all IMO Member States to advance global maritime safety, security, and sustainability.

Building on its wider engagements within the IMO, Sri Lanka successfully concluded a significant number of Reciprocal Support Agreements (RSAs) in support of Member States’ bids for election to the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 term, strengthening the country’s position in global maritime forums. The IMO Assembly session continues from 24 November to 3 December 2025 at the IMO Headquarters in London, with participation from 171 Member States. The International Maritime Organization is the United Nations’ agency responsible for regulating global shipping, ensuring safety, security, and environmental protection at sea. Established in 1948 and headquartered in London, the IMO provides a universal regulatory framework so that ships worldwide operate under common standards, preventing unsafe practices and reducing pollution.

 

High Commission of Sri Lanka in London

01/12/2025