Commander of the Navy attends 25th International Seapower Symposium

The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera attended the 25th International Seapower Symposium (ISS) which was held at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island from 19th to 22nd September 2023. As part of this visit, he met with several top brass of the maritime forces from regional and extra-regional countries, including the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, the Commandant U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Linda Fagan, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo and the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper. During the ensuing discussions, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera shared views on maritime security, cooperation and several matters of bilateral importance with those chiefs of maritime forces.

The 25th International Seapower Symposium was held over four (04) days, under the theme "Security through Partnership". Inaugurated in Newport in 1969, the biennial International Seapower Symposium (ISS) provides an exceptional platform for global maritime authorities to engage in dialogue and advocate for collaborative efforts in enhancing international maritime security.

ISS stands out as it is the singular global gathering where numerous maritime forces’ leaders convene simultaneously to enhance maritime security and collaborative operations.

Engaging in international symposiums that convene both regional and non-regional maritime powers enables the Sri Lanka Navy to bolster its future contributions towards addressing shared maritime concerns, including non-traditional security challenges within the maritime domain, whilst fostering enhanced collaboration among stakeholders.

Being an alumnus of the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera passed the US Naval Staff Course and earned a Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies in 2004. On the sidelines of this visit, he also met with the President U.S. Naval War College, Rear Admiral Peter A. Garvin and held a cordial discussion.