This is the first occasion Sri Lanka is conducting such a programe and it is being implemented in accordance with the instructions and criterions of the International Maritime Organization (MO).

The International Maritime Organization (IM) along with the United Nations (UN) has declared the 25th of September as the International Maritime Day with the purpose of promoting naval and maritime activities and the development of the global economy.

The theme of this year’s World Maritime Day is “Maritime Education and Training”.

Port and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and President of the programme 'Maritime and Naval Week' Rohana Masakorala were present.