NEWS
Sri Lankan scientist wins People’s Choice Award
Sri Lankan scientist Professor Charitha Pattiarachchi has been named the People’s Choice Winner at the 2025 Premier’s Science Awards in Western Australia.
Professor Pattiarachchi received Western Australia’s highest science honour in recognition of his exceptional contributions to scientific research at both national and international levels. He secured the award through an online public vote, earning 7,880 votes.
Now in their 24th year, the Premier’s Science Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in scientific research and contributions to STEM disciplines across Western Australia.
A coastal oceanographer at the University of Western Australia, Professor Pattiarachchi is globally regarded as a leading expert in his field. His groundbreaking research using advanced techniques such as ocean gliders has led to key discoveries related to dense shelf water transport, tsunami impacts, and the Leeuwin Current system.
He has also played a pivotal role in bridging scientific research with real-world applications by collaborating with government and industry partners to address sustainability, infrastructure development, and human security challenges.
Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Professor Pattiarachchi is celebrated as an inspiring mentor to emerging researchers.
He also has an impressive sporting background, having set several national records in swimming, water polo, and athletics. A former head prefect of Royal College (1976), he represented Sri Lanka from the age of 15, winning multiple gold and silver medals at school and national-level competitions.
The IORA Centre of Excellence (IORA COE) Steering Committee Meeting
The final meeting of the year 2025, was held on 29 December 2025 at the premises of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka with the participation of Executive Committee members. During the meeting, the importance of initiating a webinar series focusing on emerging and high-priority topics related to ocean affairs was discussed. In addition, it was decided to organize stakeholder meetings to gather views and inputs from relevant stakeholders. These stakeholder meetings are planned to be held at the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2nd Stakeolder Consultation Meeting of IORACOE
The Second Stakeholder Consultation Workshop of the IORA Centre of Excellence (IORA COE) was successfully conducted on 19 January 2026 at the Main Conference Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The workshop saw active and meaningful engagement from key stakeholders representing the marine and maritime sectors. The discussions were highly constructive, and the valuable insights and recommendations shared by participants will play a crucial role in shaping and navigating the future scope and strategic direction of the IORA COE.
The Second webinar organized under the IORA COE webinar series
The second webinar organized under the IORA COE webinar series on “Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Regulations and Practices” was successfully completed, with the participation of more than 65 attendees from IORA Member Countries. The webinar was conducted by the Indian Ocean Rim Association Centre of Excellence (IORA COE) and featured Professor Erika Techera as the resource person. Professor Techera delivered an in-depth presentation highlighting international legal instruments, regional governance mechanisms, and practical challenges associated with addressing IUU fishing. The webinar facilitated meaningful discussions among participants from diverse professional backgrounds, enhancing regional awareness and capacity-building efforts to combat IUU fishing in the Indian Ocean region.
