The Maldives National University (MNU) hosted a seminar roundtable titled “Hydrography in the Indian Ocean: The Sri Lankan Experience and the Blue Economy”, bringing together experts, government representatives, security agencies, academics, and research students to explore the importance of hydrography and its contribution to the sustainable development of the blue economy.
The seminar was organised by the School of Security and Strategic Studies (SSSS) of MNU and featured a keynote address by Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathna (Retd.) of Sri Lanka, who shared insights from Sri Lanka’s experience in developing hydrographic knowledge and capacity.
The opening and welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of MNU, who emphasised the relevance of hydrography to the University’s academic, research, and strategic priorities. She highlighted that hydrography connects directly with the Maldives’ ambitions for the blue economy and underscored the value of learning from Sri Lanka’s experience in developing national hydrographic capabilities.
In his keynote address, Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathna (Retd.) highlighted that hydrography is an interconnected field, with datasets that extend beyond strategic and governmental applications. He noted the value of hydrographic information for governments, think tanks, universities, and other stakeholders, while encouraging greater participation of young people in the field.
The seminar provided a platform for knowledge exchange on the role of hydrography in maritime development, national security, research, environmental management, and the sustainable utilisation of ocean resources. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening technical knowledge and building national capacity in areas relevant to the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Among the participants were the National Security Advisor, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, and representatives and officers from the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Maldives Police Service, Maldives Customs Service, and the Office of the National Security Advisor, alongside MNU deans, academics, and research students.
The seminar contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting knowledge sharing, professional learning, and opportunities for students and researchers to engage with specialised fields such as hydrography. It also supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through the advancement of technical knowledge, research, and capacity in hydrographic and maritime technologies.
The focus on sustainable ocean resources and the blue economy aligns strongly with SDG 14: Life Below Water, particularly through strengthening knowledge and capacity for the responsible management and sustainable use of marine resources. The participation of government, security, academic, and international stakeholders further support SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by encouraging dialogue and cooperation on maritime security and institutional capacity. The collaboration and knowledge exchange between Maldivian and Sri Lankan stakeholders also contribute to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Through initiatives such as this seminar, MNU continues to strengthen its role as a platform for academic dialogue, research, professional development, and strategic engagement on issues of national and regional importance.
