Sri Lanka Advocates Key Policy Shifts at FAO COFI 37 📈

• Policy & Data Governance: At the 37th Session of the Committee on Fisheries in Rome, Sri Lanka called for digital transformation, data-driven policymaking, and stronger stock assessment capabilities in developing nations, moving beyond dependence on centralized tools. • Redefining Small-Scale Sector: Urged international frameworks to define small-scale fisheries based on socio-economic realities and livelihoods of coastal communities, rather than strict technical metrics like vessel length or horsepower. • Post-Harvest & Supply Chain: Highlighted ongoing investments in cold-chain infrastructure at harbors and landing sites to minimize post-harvest losses, preserving product quality and market valuation. • Regional Alignment: Mark 10 years under the Agreement on Port State Measures by calling for stricter enforcement against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, alongside deeper cooperation via BOBP-IGO across Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.