Sri Lanka Ratifies UN Ocean Biodiversity Treaty

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has officially announced that Sri Lanka’s Instrument of Ratification for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) was formally deposited with the United Nations on 16 September 2025, making Sri Lanka a State Party to the Convention.

This ratification marks a historic milestone in Sri Lanka’s enduring legacy of leadership in international ocean governance. 

The country has long been a key player in maritime diplomacy, notably contributing to the development of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Sri Lanka actively participated in the negotiation process of the BBNJ Agreement from its inception, advocating for equitable access to ocean resources and the protection of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

“As a developing country, Sri Lanka is proud to be part of this historic journey,” the Ministry stated, emphasizing the importance of equity, sustainability, and global cooperation in managing ocean resources for the benefit of all humanity.

By ratifying the BBNJ Agreement, Sri Lanka gains access to fair and equitable sharing of marine genetic resources (MGRs) and digital sequence information (DSI) from international waters. 

The Agreement also prioritizes capacity building and the transfer of marine technology, empowering developing nations like Sri Lanka to enhance their capabilities in marine conservation and sustainable use.

Furthermore, the Agreement enables Sri Lanka to collaborate with other nations to protect biodiversity, build climate resilience, and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)