Department of Animal Science, Uva Wellassa University organized the Aqua forum – 2019 (AF-2019) on 28th November 2019 at the University premises under the theme of “Nurturing the 21 Million: Towards the Blue Economy”. This year the event was co-hosted with AHEAD ELTA ELSE DP Project of Department of Animal Science. Over 350 people including academics and undergraduates from Sri Lankan Universities along with expertise from research institutes, industries did participate to this event.

Prof. J.L. Ratnasekara, Vice Chancellor, Uva Wellassa University participated as the chief guest of the event while Prof S.C. Jayamanne, Dean, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University chaired the technical forum. The forum initiated with signing MoU between Uva Wellassa University and NAQDA with the participation of Vice Chancellor (UWU) and Director General (NAQDA) in the view of sharing knowledge and value addition to the aquatic resources of Sri Lanka.

The forum consisted of six guest speeches related to Aquaculture and Fisheries Industry which cover the themes of Advances in Global Aquaculture by Prof. U.P.K. Epa (University of Kelaniya), Sustainable Fisheries for 21 Million by Dr. Dileepa de Croos (Wayamba University of Sri Lanka), Marine Resources for Blue Economy: Beyond the Capture Fishery by Prof. Nalin Ratnayake (Vice Chancellor, Ocean University of Sri Lanka), Shrimp Aquaculture as a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry by Mr. Chaminda Fernando (General Manager, KMN Aqua Services Pvt Ltd), Context of Sri Lankan Aquaculture by Mr. P. Chandraratne (Director General, NAQDA) and Role of 21 Million for Sustain the Aquatic Resources in Sri Lanka by Dr. Suranjan Fernando (EIA Consultant).

At the evening session research highlights of the undergraduates were exhibited. The forum was a good platform to share the knowledge among each party.