Sri Lanka’s potential for economic growth through its expansive maritime resources is facing a significant obstacle known as “sea blindness.” This term, coined by Rear Admiral YN Jayarathna (retired), highlights a historical lack of maritime awareness among policymakers, leading to missed opportunities and underutilization of the country’s vast marine resources.
Despite a coastline stretching approximately 1,300 kilometers and an exclusive economic zone in the Indian Ocean spanning over 500,000 square kilometers – an area eight times greater than Sri Lanka’s land territory – the potential of these underwater resources remains largely unexplored and untapped.
Former chief of staff and chief hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral YN Jayarathna, points out that the government’s limited financial support for ocean research initiatives has resulted in universities relying on foreign grants. Moreover, the lack of emphasis on marine research in the education system has led to a scarcity of qualified professionals and a minimal number of marine sciences-related degree courses.
This “sea blindness” has prompted a realization of the need for a paradigm shift in educational priorities. With only three universities offering a total of five marine sciences-related degree courses out of 17 state universities, and a meager annual enrollment of 500 students in the field, there is a growing awareness of the gap in preparing graduates for the contemporary job market.
Efforts are underway to address this issue, with a renewed focus on international collaboration and the establishment of institutions like the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). The aim is to enhance marine sciences education and research, unlocking the untapped potential of Sri Lanka’s marine resources for sustainable economic growth. Overcoming “sea blindness” is now a priority to ensure the nation benefits fully from its strategic geographical position and the vast opportunities lying beneath its waters.
Inputs from UniversityWorldNews
(Rear Admiral Y. N. Jayarathna (Retd) was the Chief of Staff and Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy and Joint Chief Hydrographer to the Sri Lankan government. On retirement his services have been secured by the United Nations as an International Consultant for Undersea Cables)
