News
Sri Lanka Navy launches 11th Galle Dialogue international maritime conference on ‘Emerging New Order in the Indian Ocean’
The 11th Galle Dialogue International Maritime Conference, organized by the Sri Lanka Navy in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Geopolitical Cartographer (GC), commenced on October 12 at the Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle.
Under the patronage of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the two-day conference began with the theme “Emerging New Order in the Indian Ocean.” Maritime representatives from 42 countries, along with 11 international organizations and defense industry organizations, had been invited to participate.
Addressing the challenges of non-traditional threats in the maritime domain, the conference focuses on issues such as sea piracy, smuggling of humans, drugs, arms, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. The event emphasizes the need for a collaborative strategy to achieve maritime economic goals while ensuring safety and security.
In his welcome remarks, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera thanked President Ranil Wickremesinghe for attending the inaugural session. The President highlighted the significance of the conference in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
Keynote speaker President Ranil Wickremesinghe praised the Sri Lanka Navy for resuming the Galle Dialogue after pandemic-related disruptions. He emphasized the importance of analyzing the dynamic geopolitical landscape and fostering cooperation among nations to shape the future of the Indian Ocean.
Opening remarks by Dr. Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, marked the beginning of the plenary discussion session, focusing on the theme “Emerging New Order in the Indian Ocean.” Subsequent sessions covered topics such as “Maritime Security Concerns” and “Maritime Synergy to Foster Blue Economy.”
On the second day, the conference explored themes related to Maritime Environment Protection for Collaborative Maritime Prosperity, Maritime Domain Awareness, and Collaborative Enforcement for Sustainable Ocean Governance. Bilateral discussions between Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and international maritime leaders were held on the sidelines of the conference.
It has been reported that, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, General Hamilton Wanasinghe has passed away at the age of 91.
Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has instructed relevant officials to provide the maximum support necessary to successfully hold the Global Bora Community’s Spiritual Assembly and Convention scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.
The Secretary to the President issued these instructions during discussions held on Thursday (12) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the Global Bora Conference and Convention.
The Bora Conference and Convention will be held from 27 June to 05 July, coinciding with the Bora Community’s Spiritual Assembly, centred on the Bambalapitiya Bora Mosque and the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre, with the participation of the community’s Spiritual Leader His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Sahib.
Approximately fifteen thousand members of the Bora Community from India and numerous other countries are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka for this Convention and Conference. Extensive discussions were held regarding the provision of all infrastructure facilities, including airport arrangements, for them.
A group of the Bora Community’s religious leaders, along with officials including the Secretary to the Foreign Ministry, Aruni Ranaraja and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, participated in this occasion.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has reached consensus with Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP), United National Party (UNP) and the People’s Alliance (PA) to take control of Akurana, Kadugannawa, Kuliyapitiya and Udubaddawa Pradeshiya Sabhas.
Opposition parties made the announcement at a joint media briefing by SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, PA General Secretary Lasantha Alagiyawanna and UNP General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala.
Terms of 161 out of 339 local government bodies to which elections were held in May commenced on June 2. The ruling NPP and the Opposition parties have been trying to seize control of the remaining councils. Contestants failed to secure working majorities in 178 councils. Both sides have accused each other of trying to bribe elected members in a bid to take control of the councils.
Elections were not held to two local government institutions on 06 May—the Kalmunai Urban Council due to a court case and the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS), which was elected last year.
Responding to questions, the Opposition spokespersons said that they were confident of forming administration and many more councils.
SJB sources said that the Opposition was also working on an arrangement regarding the Colombo Municipal Council scheduled to meet on Monday (16) for the first time when the Mayor will be elected.
Leader of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Mano Ganeshan, MP, has alleged that the NPP bribed two of its members in the Haldumulla PS to vote in favour of the person nominated by the NPP as the chairman.
Israel launches ‘major strike’ on Iran’s military, nuclear sites
Former Army Commander General Hamilton Wanasinghe passes away at the age of 91
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