The International Ocean Institute (IOI) and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) have collaborated to offer an online education programme for students, teachers, and other stakeholders in the ocean and fisheries sectors. The Department of Education has approved the IOI Ocean Academy, which will begin on May 1st, 2023. The course will be conducted in the local language, Sinhala, and will be led by scientists from NARA who will serve as resource persons for the Ocean Academy. 306 students from nine schools will participate in this school educational course.

Chairman of NARA, Professor M.J.S. Wijeyaratne, and Director General, Dr Kamal Tennakoon (IOI alumni member) will provide full support for the success of the IOI Ocean Academy Course. Mr D.V.S.P. Bandara, the Extension Officer of NARA, and Mr Aruna Maheepala, IOI Focal Point in Sri Lanka, will coordinate the course.

Furthermore, an IOI Ocean Academy course aimed at all stakeholders in the Fisheries and Ocean sectors will soon be launched. This course will be open to all those interested in the sector. For expressions of interest contact Mr Aruna Maheepala, IOI Focal Point in Sri Lanka here: ioislfocalpoint@gmail.com. 

• Obtain a basic understanding of the Ocean, the goods and services it provides, the threats to the Ocean, and how to live in a more sustainable way with the Ocean;
• Understand the linkages between Ocean governance and sustainable and equitable human use, application of the principle of the common heritage of humankind, the needs of future generations;
• Identify priority issues, trends and future challenges in Ocean issues, locally and globally;
• Understand and Describe Marine ecosystem and management practice, port shipping and security, fisheries, aquaculture, women in fisheries and recreational use of Sri Lanka waters.