Sri Lanka has appointed its first permanent representative to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.
The ministry quoted the country’s High Commission in London as saying that Sri Lankan High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena presented credentials to IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim as the Permanent Representative, recently.
“Sri Lanka’s accreditation to IMO comes at a time when the country is due to assume chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in October this year.
“Being in the centre of one of the most vital shipping lanes, Sri Lanka is positioned to be a major maritime hub in the Indian Ocean,” the ministry said.
“Sri Lanka’s geographic location and its access to regional markets add immensely to its economic and commercial interests.
“The island country remains committed to safe, secure Indian Ocean and sustainable use of its maritime resources,’’ the ministry added.
IMO is a specialised UN agency responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and prevent pollution from ships.
Sri Lanka obtained its membership in 1972.