Sri Lanka developing independent hydrographic capabilities

Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) has achieved a historic milestone by producing 27 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) covering major ports, harbour approaches and coastal waters around the country.

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This achievement has been made within three years of the establishment of SLNHS on 14 Dec 2023 under the Ministry of Defence.

Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) serves as the nation's hydrographic authority, coordinating hydrographic activities, national chart production, international cooperation and maritime geospatial information management.

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 advancing the sustainable use of the world's oceans.

Sri Lanka is set to celebrate World Hydrography Day 2026 on 23rd June at the Wave n’ Lake Navy Hall, Welisara. The national event will be held under this year's theme announced by the IHO: “Transforming how ocean data is shared.”

The Chief Guest at the celebration will be the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd). The keynote address will be delivered by Senior Professor Nalin Ratnayake, Vice Chancellor of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka.

As part of the World Hydrography Day Programme, the SLNHO will also conduct a special two-day theoretical and practical training programme for university students on 23 and 24 June 2026.

The initiative is also designed to expose students engaged with the subject on hydrographic surveying techniques, sonar systems, positioning technology, chart production, data processing and field survey operations. Participants will receive hands-on exposure to modern hydrographic equipment and technologies currently employed in professional survey operations. The programme aims to build national awareness of hydrography and inspire the next generation of hydrographers, marine scientists and geospatial professionals who will contribute to Sri Lanka's future maritime development.