- the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) currently comprises of 20 Member States and it aims to provide maximum opportunities to develop shared interests and reap mutual benefits and exchange information on trade and investment and also provide opportunities to expand intra-regional trade among countries in the group. The proposal made by Hon. (Prof.) G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, to establish the IORA Centre of Excellence on Ocean Sciences and Environment in Sri Lanka in consultation and collaboration with local stakeholders, the IORA Secretariat and IORA Member States and to proceed with the related activities, was approved by the Cabinet.