CSL CER and SCSIO to Convene 11th China-Sri Lanka Joint Workshop on Climate Change and Sustainable Marine Development
The China–Sri Lanka Joint Center for Education and Research (CSL CER), University of Ruhuna, in collaboration with the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China, will organise the 11th China–Sri Lanka Joint Workshop on “Climate Change and Sustainable Marine Development” on 23–24 October 2026 at Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The workshop will bring together leading national and international scientists, researchers, and experts working in the fields of oceanography, environmental science, climate change, and sustainable development. It will provide a platform for scientific exchange and discussion on changes occurring in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, their environmental and economic implications, and approaches for mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The event will also strengthen long-standing academic and research collaboration between Sri Lanka and China while promoting interdisciplinary dialogue on the sustainable management of marine and environmental resources.
Date: 23-24 October 2026
Time: 9.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Venue: Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Programme Highlights
Opening Ceremony and Distinguished Guests of Honour
The opening ceremony will feature the national anthems of Sri Lanka and the People's Republic of China, a traditional oil lamp lighting ceremony, welcome addresses, and remarks by distinguished representatives from academia, government institutions, and the diplomatic community.
The workshop will be honoured by the participation of the following distinguished Guests of Honour:
- Hon. Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena
Minister of Science and Technology, Sri Lanka - Senior Prof. Wasantha Kumara
Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC), Sri Lanka
Their participation will highlight the importance of strengthening scientific collaboration, advancing research, and promoting sustainable development through national and international partnerships.
Keynote Address
The keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Mu Mu of Fudan University, on the topic:
“Targeted Observations of High-impact Atmosphere–Ocean Events: A Review and Prospect in AI Era.”
The keynote will address advances in observing high-impact atmosphere–ocean events and explore future research prospects in the era of artificial intelligence.
Invited Scientific Presentations
The first day will feature invited presentations on a range of research themes, including climate-system tipping points, mesoscale and submesoscale dynamics in the tropical Eastern Indian Ocean, meteorological observations, marine resources, and sustainable agricultural productivity.
Scientific Sessions — 24th October 2026
The scientific sessions will bring together Sri Lankan and Chinese researchers to present and discuss research findings on climate change, ocean circulation, marine environmental processes, and coastal sustainability.
Key topics will include:
- Indo-Pacific freshwater variability and freshwater pathways in the South Indian Ocean.
- A Decadal-Scale Shift in the Summer Monsoon Current South of Sri Lanka: Evidence for Seasonally Phased Local-Remote Forcing
- Deep-ocean overflow and water-mass transformation in the Indian Ocean.
- UAV–LiDAR applications for coastal resilience and sustainable coastal management.
- Phytoplankton responses to mesoscale and submesoscale ocean processes.
- Marine heatwaves in a warming climate.
- Intelligent methods for monsoon-onset prediction and nearshore wave-height forecasting.
- Coral reef microbiomes, ecosystem resilience, and restoration in Sri Lanka.
- Discovery of natural products from marine-derived fungi.
Dedicated discussion periods will provide opportunities for scientific exchange, knowledge sharing, and identifying potential areas for future collaborative research.
