IORA DAY 2024

Sri Lanka took over the Chairmanship of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in October 2023 for the period 2023/2025.There are 23 member states and eleven dialogue partners in IORA. IORA Day is celebrated on March 7 every year. 

Sri Lanka plans to hold the IORA Day commemoration on March 10, 2024, under the theme ‘Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations,’ coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. IORA Day 2024 will focus on educating and engaging future generations on the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable practices to preserve our oceans for the future.

Among the activities planned is an Island-wide Art Competition for schoolchildren in association with the Ministry of  Education and Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Entries will be entertained from schoolchildren in three categories, Primary (Grades 1 – 5), Junior (Grades 6 – 9) and Senior (Grades 10 – 13). Funday Times, the children’s section of the Sunday Times is the print media partner for this event.

Funday Times is also conducting an Essay Competition under the IORA umbrella. The topics, age groups and other details are given on Page 2 of the Funday Times.

A Social Media Challenge is also being planned in association with Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), Arimac Lanka and The Pearl Protectors. More details will be given shortly.  

Several other ocean-related activities will be conducted targeting the participation of children island-wide, drawing awareness to the importance of ocean sustainability. These activities are 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 short excursions, observe corals and visit the Colombo Port City Marina. Ahead of IORA Day, several awareness programmes are planned, such as seminars, workshops, visits to turtle hatcheries and so on.

The main event of IORA Day 2024 will be held at Galle Face Green in Colombo with stalls displaying various ocean-related activities. Funday Times Club members and readers, who would like to participate, please email us on [email protected] or contact us on 0112479333/ 0112479337 to register for this event.