Fisher community benefits from Ocean University

By L.S. Ananada WEDAARACHCHI

The Ocean University has a special obligation to develop ways and means to upgrade the lives of the fishing community in the North and East, said Vice Chairman. University Grants Commission (UGC), Ocean University, Professor Ranjith Senaratna.

Professor Senaratna said that the fishing community badly needed assistance and guidance to rebuild their lives, after the three decade war against terrorism.

The fisheries sector in the Northern Province had collapsed. Today it still under performs and is confronted with numerous issues. The tsunami aggravated the situation, he said.

Centres

The Ocean University has setup three centres in Baticaloa, Trincomalee and Gurunagar to attend to the urgent needs of the fisheries sector. Mobile training and educational programs are being conducted in the fishing community villages, he said.

The University had initiated youth exchange programs in the fisheries sector between the South and the North.

Prof. Ranjith Senaratna with officials of the fisheries cooperatives

Prof. Senaratna in discussion with Jaffna fishery cooperative society representatives.

The program covers short-term, degree and postgraduate courses at the Tangalle Centre. All aspects of fishing including deep sea fishing, swimming and special subjects such as diving and radar reading are taught, he said.

Community-oriented

"The Ocean University is not just another University. Our aim is to develop it as a community-oriented University.

The fishing community and people who earn their livelihood from the sea will be the direct beneficiaries. The development of the port sector is bound to create more job opportunities, he said.

The university has already commenced degree programs on Navigation, International Transport Management, Harbour Management, Coastal Zone Management and Diploma programs on Marine Engineering Technology, Fibreglass Technology, Computer Science, Certificate courses in Underwater Welding Technology, out board Motor Engine Repair and Maintenance, Marine Engine Technology, Swimming, Life Saving, Scuba Diving, and Fishing Gear Technology.

The BSc degree programs are on Fisheries and Marine Science, Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture, he said.

Professor Senaratna said that recognising the importance of human resources development in the fisheries sector to the national economy, maximising productivity of marine and inland water resources are vital.

The Ocean University - the National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering was setup in 1999 by President Mahinda Rajapaksa the then Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The Northern and Eastern sea has natural resources useful for training, research, fishing and oil exploration. Under the guidance of Youth Affairs Minister Dulles Allahapperuma the Ocean University is geared to meet the increasing demands of the fisheries and marine sector, Senaratna said.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ocean University and Swedish World Maritime University to launch joint educational training and research programs is in the pipeline.

Collaboration

The Ocean University will work in close collaboration with Universities in Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand and Japan for the development of maritime and fisheries studies, Senaratna said.

Theoretical and practical lectures and training for the diploma and degree program of the Ocean University are being conducted in Mattakkuliya, Negombo, Tangalle, Kalutara, Galle, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Jaffna campuses.