The Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture of Uva Wellassa University proudly hosted Aqua Forum 2025, the third edition of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum, in collaboration with the Aqua Club of the University. The event was held on July 11, 2025 at the Block E Auditorium of the University in parallel to the 20th Anniversary celebrations of the university. This year’s theme, “Navigating Blue Transformation: Key Advancements and Modern Trends,” highlighted the importance of sustainable practices and modern innovations in fisheries and aquaculture.
The forum aimed to create a platform for university students, academia, industry experts, educators and government officials to share knowledge, experiences, and insights on the latest developments and trends shaping the aquatic industry, serving as a bridge between research, industry, and policy to foster collaboration and promote sustainable growth. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including academics and undergraduates from the Department of Animal Science, officials from NARA, NAQDA, and representatives from the Uva Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Animal Production, and Inland Fisheries, as well as industry professionals, entrepreneurs, school students, and teachers, sponsors creating a dynamic and collaborative environment.
The program commenced with an inaugural session and a welcome address by Dr. N.M.N. Nambapana, Head of the Department of Animal Science. The Chief Guest, Prof. H.M.S.K. Herath, Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, addressed the gathering with an introduction to the forum, setting the tone for an insightful day of discussions. Session I, chaired by Dr. B.V.A.S.M. Bambaranda and held in the morning, focused on industry perspectives with expert talks on the Ornamental Fish Industry by Mr. Kapila Tissera, the Seafood Processing Industry by Mr. M.A.I. Prasad, the Shrimp Farming Industry by Mr. Chaminda Fernando, and Marine and Coastal Aquaculture by Mr. Nirooparaj Balachandran from NAQDA. Session II, chaired by Mr. N.P.P. Liyanage and held in the afternoon, highlighted institutional and policy insights with a presentation on the strengths and opportunities of Uva Wellassa University by Ms. A.P. Abeygunawardena, followed by keynote addresses from Mr. Kithsiri Dharmapriya, Chairman of NAQDA, and Mr. C.P. Kumara, Scientist at NARA.
The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion, the awarding of souvenirs, and a vote of thanks delivered by the forum coordinator, Dr. A.S. Mahaliyana. Aqua Forum 2025 served as an impactful platform to explore Blue Transformation, a global movement toward sustainable aquatic resource management, with discussions centered on precision aquaculture, eco-friendly practices, technological innovations, and future strategies to address the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability.