By Prof. Samitha Hettige

Sri Lankan memory of Norway may vary. ‘CEY - NOR’ fisheries sector development project & the Cashew plantations in east are from the pre conflict 1970s. During 1980s NGO ‘Redd Barna’ served child welfare. In the 1990s Norway directly & indirectly invested in peace with Young Asia TV, World View Foundation, ‘Sudunelum’ & ‘Thawalama’ etc. During early 2000s they brokered & monitored the peace process. Since 2005 some accused Norwegian attempts to topple Sri Lankan government during the budget speeches (Ref. Media). Sri Lanka being a maritime nation ‘CEY - NOR’ corporation can be seen as a strategic initiative by many as it has a huge potential in harnessing its ocean resources to develop its ‘Blue Economy’. Another may think that Norway brokered peace process indirectly cracked the LTTE.  Years later, Sri Lanka had to postpone its marine research cooperation especially with China due to regional pressure but China - Norway green cooperation may give space for Sri Lankans to think new & act differently.

Sailing together to a greener future.    

China – Norway maritime cooperation is at a new level with modern green ships & smart emission control systems etc. to face global climate change challenges more than mutual economic benefits. At the 2^nd China - Norway green cooperation seminar held last week in Oslo under the theme "Sailing Together to a Greener Future", Chinese & Norwegian policymakers, industry leaders & Shipping experts etc. have discussed joint strengths to drive innovation & sustainability in blue & green economic sectors. Norwegian ship owners have expressed happiness on the maritime cooperation with China since latter plays a centre role in global maritime transition (over 50% of alternative fuel vessels being built by Chinese shipyards). At the same time they have been concerned about the rising geopolitical tensions & protectionism attitudes of those against China’s rise.

New initiatives from Chinese ship builders such as wind assisted propulsion, carbon capture, battery hybridization, & digitalization have attracted Norwegian attention as never before. Achieving net zero emissions in shipping by 2050 has been a key discussion point at the session & the strong presence of Norwegian shipping community in China is expected to expedite practical solutions for; CCS (carbon capture & storage) to transform fleets. Developing deep sea farming cages, increasing energy efficiency & green shipping corridors etc. also attracted spot lights. Bilateral shipping collaborations dating back decades has paved way for developing technology for continuous emission monitoring systems & integrated green propulsion technologies etc. In 2025 China & Norway signed the MoU on sustainable ocean management. These are expected to synergize green & blue economies of both countries (Ref. Media).

Utilizing Indian Ocean resources

Sri Lanka especially being an Island in the Indian Ocean should pay attention to financially sound Norwegian concerns on rising geopolitical tensions & protectionism attitudes of those against China. Since many have floating & sunken interests in the Indian Ocean as in defense, data, underwater cables, oil & gas etc. Sri Lanka may learn from Norway on managing complex marine situations. If necessary they may work with Norway to better harness Indian Ocean marine resources using opportunities coming with the Belt & Road Initiative. Such an approach may mitigate risk of external parties triggering conflicts within Sri Lanka. It may avert direct threats from those against China in the Indian Ocean.

(Views expressed are personal/ Photo: Salmon farms in Norway. Source: www).