IORA Day 2024

The ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education have combined to commemorate IORA Day in March this year with a major programme for school children which will include an art competition that will showcase the importance of the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka took over the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in October 2023 for the period 2023/2025. There are 23 member states and eleven dialogue partners in IORA.

The theme for IORA Day will be a ‘Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations’ and will focus on educating and engaging future generations on the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable practices to preserve the oceans for the future.

Among the activities planned is a national level art competition for school children in association with the Ministry of Education and Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.

Entries will be accepted from school children in three categories: Primary (Grades 1 – 5),

Junior (Grades 6 – 9) and

Senior (Grades 10 – 13).

Details will appear in the children’s publications of Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., and their online versions.

Several other ocean-related activities will be conducted with the participation of children island-wide, drawing awareness to the importance of ocean sustainability. These activities are also coordinated by the Sri Lanka Navy and other ocean-related agencies. Opportunities are to be provided for children to be taken out to sea on a short excursion.

Ahead of IORA Day, several awareness programmes are planned.

The main event of IORA Day 2024 will be held at an ocean-front site in Colombo on March 10 with stalls displaying various ocean-related activities.

See Funday Times Page 5 (online) for some

interesting facts on the Indian Ocean...