Ms. Ruwini Basnayake was awarded the prestigious Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) Prize at the FAO World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) 2025.

The Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka is proud to announce that Ms. Ruwini Basnayake, Lecturer (Probationary) attached to the Department of Agribusiness Management, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, has been awarded the prestigious Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) Prize at the FAO World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) 2025 out of more than 1600 applicants.

The Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aimed at empowering young researchers to develop innovative, science-based solutions for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems. To mark 50 years of advancing ocean science and fisheries management, the EAF-Nansen Program introduced this special EAF Prize to recognize transformative research that promotes the health of marine ecosystems and the well-being of coastal communities, in line with the ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF).

Ms. Basnayake, representing Sri Lanka, and her team (including team member Ms. Sulochana Senevirathne and Supervisor: Senior Prof. Achini De Silva) were recognized for their proposed approach to the sustainable management of spiny lobster fisheries in Sri Lanka, a species vital to coastal livelihoods and marine biodiversity. Her research integrates ecological research, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations to enhance sustainable fisheries management in coastal waters.