The Colombo Air Symposium-2023 (CAS), an annual International Academic Forum organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), is set to commence for the sixth time after a three-year hiatus. Scheduled for Oct 9 and 10 at the Eagle’s Lakeside Banquet and Convention Hall, CAS extends invitations to intellectuals, diplomats, military leaders, policymakers, and technological experts. The symposium aims to delve into the realms of defense and security, exploring the multifaceted dimensions of airpower, interaction, and juxtaposition.

Under the direct guidance and supervision of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, CAS 2023 adopts the theme “Fostering shared air interests in the IOR: Geopolitical Cooperation, Complexities, and Compulsions.” This thematic choice establishes a platform to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding among nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly regarding shared air interests. The symposium prioritizes discussions that promote transparency and trust-building, serving as a means to prevent conflicts within the airspace of the IOR. It also delves into strategies aimed at achieving efficient, safe, and sustainable airspace management within the intricate and complex IOR environment.

Furthermore, CAS 2023 critically examines the role of airpower within developing nations, especially within the challenging context of the geopolitical landscape, and assesses its far-reaching impacts on regional and global dynamics. It underscores the utilization of airpower for the betterment of human security through humanitarian endeavors, disaster response, and conflict prevention.

The symposium also addresses the imperative of ensuring the long-term effectiveness of airpower in developing nations despite the prevalent political and economic challenges. Notably, CAS 2023 seeks to identify strategies and cooperative measures that can bolster airpower capabilities in a region marked by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA).

Distinguished guests at the Colombo Air Symposium 2023 include the Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor to the President, Hon. Sagala Rathnayake, who will serve as the Chief Guest. Additionally, Professor Adam Leong Kok Wey, a prominent figure in the field of strategic studies and the Director of the Centre for Defence and International Security Studies (CDISS) at the National Defence University of Malaysia, will deliver the keynote address.

Bottom of FormColombo Air Symposium will be represented by Ambassadors, High Commissioners and foreign delegates attending from over 40 countries including United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, India, China and more. Furthermore, foreign research authors and high-ranked officers from defence forces will complete the lineup of papers presented at the event.

The Air Symposium themed “Fostering shared air interests in the IOR: Geopolitical Cooperation, Complexities and Compulsions” will explore a wider understanding and stronger collaborations under the following session themes.

* Air Space Management

* Airpower

* Socioeconomic compulsions

* Sustenance under ‘VUCA’

* Regional coherence and interdependence