The Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, has launched a week-long international capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening the viability and sustainability of fisheries cooperatives in Sri Lanka.
Titled “Exposure Visits to Indian Cooperatives for Strengthening and Building Viable Fisheries Cooperatives in Sri Lanka,” the programme is being held from September 15 to 22, 2026, in collaboration with the High Commission of India in Colombo and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources.
The initiative seeks to promote knowledge-sharing and institutional learning between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in areas such as cooperative governance, financial management, fish procurement, processing, storage, branding, digital platforms and sustainability.
Addressing the inaugural session, Nadaraja Sivalingam, Additional Secretary, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Fisheries, underlined the importance of capacity building and cross-border cooperation in empowering fishing communities and supporting sustainable development.
Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director, VAMNICOM, highlighted the crucial contribution of fisheries to livelihoods, food security and rural development. He said professionally managed and well-governed cooperatives can help fishing communities overcome challenges related to institutional finance, infrastructure, market access, climate risks and post-harvest losses.
The Sri Lankan participants will visit selected Indian cooperatives and institutions during the programme to gain first-hand exposure to successful practices. The learning is expected to help participants explore approaches that can be adapted to Sri Lanka’s legal, economic and social environment.
The programme also focuses on strengthening collective action to improve access to quality inputs, finance, technology and markets, with the broader objective of enhancing incomes and livelihoods.
Led by Programme Director Dr. D. Ravi, the initiative is expected to create a sustained network of cooperative institutions and professionals working towards inclusive and environmentally sustainable fisheries development.
The inauguration featured traditional ceremonial lighting, Saraswati Vandana and the national anthems of India and Sri Lanka. Prof. Smt. Vijayashri Bhagawati, VAMNICOM, delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme reflects the broader cooperative and economic ties between India and Sri Lanka and seeks to translate shared learning into practical strategies for strengthening fisheries cooperatives and fishing communities.
