Media briefing on Galle Dialogue 2017 held at Navy Headquarters
 

A media briefing on ‘Galle Dialogue 2017’, the International Maritime Conference which is scheduled to be conducted on 09^th and 10^th October 2017 at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, was held at the Navy Headquarters today (25^th September ). The press conference chaired by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Travis Sinniah was attended by media personnel representing respective media institutions.

Addressing the media personnel, the Commander of the Navy stated that the Galle Dialogue provides a common platform for stakeholders of national and international repute to discuss and deliberate issues related to maritime security. It is being held for the 08^th consecutive year with the participation of 38 countries. The foreign participation from 2010 to 2017 has increased from 100 to nearly 200 participants, illustrating the interest shown by regional as well as extra-regional stakeholders in the maritime affairs of the Indian Ocean. Composition of this participation includes chiefs of navies, high level officials from foreign Navies/Coastguards, heads of international organisations, ambassadors and defence advisors. For the first time in the Galle Dialogue’s history, renowned defence industries worldwide have been invited to take part in the conference, the Commander elaborated.

Galle Dialogue 2017 is held under the theme ‘Greater Maritime Visibility for Enhanced Maritime Security’ enabling participants to confer ways and means to augment ‘maritime visibility’ through constructive deliberations. It is anticipated that such an approach will pave the way to enhance ‘maritime visibility’ and address maritime security threats and challenges through a proactive strategy.