US Indo-Pacific Command Commander, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, said on Thursday that Sri Lanka’s geostrategic location enables it to influence maritime activities crucial to the entire Pacific region.

Speaking to student officers at the National Defence College in Colombo, Admiral Paparo stated: “Sri Lanka’s key position at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean is strategically vital. The island borders crucial sea lanes that connect the Pacific and Indian Oceans with all seas. This geography allows Sri Lanka to influence maritime activities that are essential for the entire Pacific.”

He continued, “The Indo-Pacific is not just vital to our militaries; it is the engine of global prosperity. These waters carry more than half of the world’s trade, and the security environment we shape today will affect future generations.”

He emphasized, “What happens in these oceans isn’t isolated but forms an interconnected security environment across the Pacific and Indian Oceans—and indeed, all seas.”

On the challenges faced, Admiral Paparo remarked: “Nations’ assertive behavior threatens regional stability and international norms, directly impacting the freedom of navigation vital for commerce. We also see increased military cooperation among authoritarian regimes creating strategic challenges that need urgent attention, making strengthening democratic partnerships imperative.”

He highlighted the threat of transnational issues, such as terrorism, weapons proliferation, trafficking, and piracy, which undermine security and prosperity. He also pointed to the technological revolution reshaping maritime security, noting that those who master technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing will shape the future.

“The United States is committed to responsible innovation, while authoritarian regimes pursue capabilities without ethical constraints,” he said. “Today’s battlespace extends beyond traditional domains. Potential adversaries weaponize information, and space-based capabilities are transforming everything from communications to maritime monitoring.”

Admiral Paparo acknowledged Sri Lanka’s significant contributions to international security, from peacekeeping to leadership in Combined Task Force 154 and Operation Prosperity Guardian, which protects freedom of navigation. “Sri Lanka’s leadership exemplifies values and capabilities that make it an essential partner.”

He concluded, “Security isn’t just about hardware or technology; it’s about trusted partnerships based on mutual respect. The partnership between the United States, Sri Lanka, and other like-minded nations—Saudi Arabia, Oman—is crucial. We support our commitments with action, intelligence sharing, joint exercises, military education, and advanced technology partnerships, delivering real security results.”

“Securing these vast waters requires collaboration from all regional partners committed to peace and stability,” he added. “It’s not about choosing sides; it’s about building a region where all nations exercise sovereign rights without intimidation and resolve disputes through dialogue. While the challenges are significant, our collective determination is even greater.”

“We will ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.”