"Galle Dialogue 2015" to begin in the Port City of Galle

The International Maritime Conference, “Galle Dialogue 2015”, organized by the Sri Lanka Navy under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence, will get underway in the port city of Galle on 23^rd November 2015 for the sixth consecutive year. Local and foreign scholars and experts in naval and maritime affairs representing 37 countries and 10 international organizations will share their expertise at the two-day dialogue held under the theme, “Secure Seas through Greater Maritime Cooperation: Challenges and Way Forward”, at the Lighthouse Hotel on 23^rd and 24^th November. The Prime Minister Hon. Ranil Wickremasinghe will grace the occasion as the chief guest and deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session. Four Naval Chiefs will be among the distinguished participants that will include over 100 foreign delegates.

The maritime sphere holds enormous potential for collective prosperity. Its resources, however, have to be harnessed by rightful means, taking the maritime interests of all concerned nations into account. Regional stability, a vital component of our economic survival and world peace, can be best preserved when bilateral and multilateral partnerships are made in collaboration with all stakeholders. The Sri Lanka Navy, under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence, has taken steps in sharing knowledge and addressing matters common to maritime nations. Its flagship annual event, the 'Galle Dialogue Maritime Conference' provides an ideal forum to discuss issues and deliberate different perspectives on an equal footing in this regard.

The visionary leadership of His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has provided the much-needed strength and confidence to continue the initiative for the sixth consecutive year. Under the able-guidance of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the Galle Dialogue is today cruising its course full steam ahead, taking all stakeholders on board to ensure a broader consensus for safe and secure seas.

Building upon the outcomes of the previous encounters in the historic port city in Southern Sri Lanka, this year's theme, 'Secure Seas through Greater Maritime Cooperation: Challenges and Way Forward', will prepare the ground for workable mechanisms that would effectively address today's maritime challenges. The contributions made by the distinguished delegates during the two days of productive deliberations will help clear many obstacles that stand in the way to the much desired destination.

Viewers can obtain updates of this mega event by logging on to the conference web site www.galledialogue.com.