SRI LANKA NATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE CELEBRATES WORLD HYDROGRAPHY DAY 2026
The Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy, successfully celebrated World Hydrography Day 2026 on 23 June 2026 at the Wave n’ Lake Navy Hall, Welisara.
The Chief Guest, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), was warmly welcomed by the Chairman of the National Hydrographic Council, Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody (Retd.), together with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the National Hydrographer, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya and the Chief Hydrographer of the Navy, Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardana.
World Hydrography Day is celebrated annually on 21 June under the patronage of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to raise awareness of the vital role hydrography plays in ensuring safe navigation, supporting maritime trade, protecting the marine environment and promoting the sustainable use of the world’s oceans. The national celebration was organized under this year’s IHO theme, “Transforming How Ocean Data is Shared.”
The event brought together stakeholders engaged in the field of hydrography, senior government officials, diplomats, academics, maritime professionals and industry representatives to recognize the growing importance of hydrography in supporting maritime safety, national security concern, environmental stewardship and economic development.
The event commenced with the welcome address delivered by the National Hydrographer, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya, who highlighted the remarkable progress achieved by Sri Lanka in strengthening national hydrographic capabilities and fulfilling its international obligations related to maritime safety and ocean governance.
During the celebration, Senior Hydrographic Surveyor Lieutenant Commander Sakun Perera delivered a presentation highlighting the significance of this year’s World Hydrography Day theme and its relevance to the future of hydrographic data management, accessibility and maritime decision-making.
Addressing the gathering, the Defence Secretary emphasized the strategic importance of hydrography as a pillar of national security, maritime governance, economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development. He noted that Sri Lanka’s unique geographical position at the heart of the Indian Ocean places a responsibility on the nation to maintain accurate hydrographic information and ensure the safe and efficient use of its maritime domain. He also commended the dedicated efforts and professional contributions of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office and the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) in advancing the nation’s hydrographic capabilities and strengthening Sri Lanka’s standing within the international hydrographic community.
During the ceremony, the Commander of the Navy and the National Hydrographer formally presented the newly produced Jaffna Lagoon Nautical Chart to the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), commemorating the occasion.
Delivering the keynote address, Senior Professor Nalin Ratnayake, Vice Chancellor of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka, underscored the growing significance of hydrography in supporting maritime safety, scientific research, environmental protection, disaster preparedness, coastal management and sustainable ocean governance. He highlighted the important role of universities and academic institutions in developing the next generation of hydrographers, marine scientists, ocean engineers, geospatial analysts and maritime professionals who will contribute to the future growth of the maritime sector.
A significant highlight of this year’s celebration was the progress achieved by the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office since its establishment in December 2023. Working closely with the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS), the SLNHO has made remarkable advancements in hydrographic surveying and nautical chart production. To date, Sri Lanka has successfully published 27 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), including 17 new ENC cells produced during 2026. These internationally compliant chart products significantly enhance navigational safety, support maritime trade and port operations, strengthen maritime security and contribute to national development.
The ENC production programme has also generated substantial economic benefits through the international distribution of Sri Lankan chart products and the provision of hydrographic consultancy and survey services. These efforts continue to generate valuable foreign revenue while supporting national development projects. All revenue generated by the SLNHO is credited directly to the Government Consolidated Fund, ensuring that the benefits of hydrographic services contribute directly to the national economy.
In parallel with the World Hydrography Day celebrations, the SLNHO conducted a special two-day theoretical and practical training programme for university students on 23 and 24 June 2026. The programme provided participants with hands-on exposure to modern hydrographic equipment and technologies currently employed in professional survey operations. This initiative reflects the Office’s commitment to developing future hydrographers, marine scientists and geospatial professionals who will contribute to Sri Lanka’s maritime future.
The celebration also showcased Sri Lanka’s growing hydrographic expertise, advanced survey technologies and modern chart production capabilities. Through continued cooperation with national stakeholders and international partners, Sri Lanka is steadily strengthening its capacity to produce world-class hydrographic products and services that meet internationally recognized standards.
World Hydrography Day 2026 served as an important platform to showcase Sri Lanka’s achievements in hydrography, highlight the importance of ocean data in national development and reaffirm the country’s commitment to maritime safety, environmental stewardship, sustainable ocean management, and blue economy growth.
Guided by its motto, “Ensuring Safe Seas Through Accurate Charting,” the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office continues to chart the course toward a safer, more secure, and prosperous maritime future for the nation.
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