Galle Dialogue 2023 International Maritime Conference commences in Galle

The 11th edition of the Galle Dialogue International Maritime Conference, organized by the Sri Lanka Navy in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Geopolitical Cartographer (GC), commenced today (12th October 2023) at the Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle. The inaugural ceremony of this two-day (12th and 13th October) conference, was held under the patronage of the President and Commander - in - Chief of the Armed Forces of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe and with the esteemed presence of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, dignitaries and distinguished guests. The central theme of this year's conference is "Emerging New Order in the Indian Ocean." Maritime representatives from 42 countries, along with 11 international organizations and defence industry organizations, have been invited by the Sri Lanka Navy to participate in this year's event.

In a time when the traditional global regulations overseeing maritime safety and security, along with cooperative maritime initiatives, are encountering unprecedented difficulties, there has been a notable increase in non-traditional threats in the maritime domain. These non-traditional threats encompass events such as sea piracy, the smuggling of humans, drugs and arms as well as the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. Furthermore, the global rise in problems such as the overuse of marine resources, pollution of the oceans, maritime accidents, and harm to the marine environment has extended its reach to the Indian Ocean as well, signifying the expansion of these non-traditional maritime challenges.

Given this context, it is vital to develop a holistic, collaborative strategy that can effectively attain maritime economic goals while also prioritizing the safety and security of maritime operations. Not just Sri Lanka, which is an island nation holding a crucial strategic position in the Indian Ocean, but also the coastal states along the Indian Ocean and all parties involved in maritime activities within the Indian Ocean therefore have a shared responsibility in this matter. The Galle Dialogue International Maritime Conference provides an excellent platform for various stakeholders in the maritime industry to come together, share insights, and collaboratively address unconventional maritime challenges by pooling their knowledge, expertise, and strategic approaches.

Delivering the welcome remarks of the conference, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera extended his profound gratitude to the President, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe for accepting the invitation to grace the inaugural session of Galle Dialogue 2023. Also, he warmly welcomed all dignitaries, distinguished guests and practitioners of maritime domain present on the occasion. The Commander of the Navy also delivered a thought-provoking address underscoring the Sri Lanka Navy's responsibility in ensuring maritime safety and security.

In a significant gathering of maritime leaders, the keynote address was delivered by the President Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the Sri Lanka Navy for successfully resuming the Galle Dialogue which had been temporarily halted due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In his speech, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of this momentous occasion, emphasizing that, in light of the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean region, the chosen theme of "Emerging New Order in the Indian Ocean 2023" holds paramount significance.His words underscored the need for a comprehensive analysis of this dynamic and complex geopolitical landscape, fostering dialogue and cooperation among nations to shape the future of the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, the opening remarks were made by the President India Foundation, Dr. Ram Madhav. The Galle Dialogue International Maritime conference commenced with a plenary discussion session, under the theme ‘Emerging New Order in the Indian Ocean’, moderated by the Presidential Advisor on Strategic Trade Policy, and a Board Member of the Geopolitical Cartographer, Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja. The first Galle Dialogue session, moderated by Dr. Rohan Perera, focused on "Maritime Security Concerns," while the second session, moderated by Dr. Ram Madhav, delved into the theme of "Maritime Synergy to Foster Blue Economy." Major General Renuka Rowel (Retd) also delivered a presentation focused on the Indigenous Military Industry theme, specifically addressing military innovations produced within the country.

On the sidelines of the conference, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera held bilateral discussions and exchanged views with a group of Chief of Naval Staffs, Defence Chiefs and intellectuals in the maritime fraternity. Among them were the Commander in Chief Royal Thai Fleet, Admiral Chatchai Thongsaard, Chief of Naval Staff Saudi Arabia, Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghafili, Commander Coast Pakistan, Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz HI(M), Rear Admiral Mohammad Anwar Hossain of Bangladesh Navy, Rear Admiral LH Andrea VENTURA of Italian Navy, Chief of Naval Staff Gayana, Brigadier Omar Sherif Khan, Rear Admiral Vladimir Zemskov of Russian Navy, Rear Admiral Eric C. Ruttenberg of the US Pacific Fleet, Rear Admiral Didong Rio Duta Purwokuntjoro of the Indonesian Navy, Captain KYAW Khaing of the Myanmar Navy, Chief of Naval Staff Poland, Rear Admiral Krzysztof Jaworski and Rear Admiral Harold Liebregs of Royal Netherlands Navy.

Moving on to the second day (13th October), the focus will shift towards Maritime Environment Protection for Collaborative Maritime Prosperity, Maritime Domain Awareness and Collaborative Enforcement for Sustainable Ocean Governance.

Envoys from Embassies and High Commissions in Sri Lanka, diplomatic corps, Governor of the Southern Province Hon. Willy Gamage, Ministers, Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), government officials, former Navy Commanders, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Chief of Staff of the Navy Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne, Deputy Chief of Staff and Director General Operations Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake, Area Commanders, flag-ranking officers, senior officers from the tri-services and distinguished invitees were also present on this occasion.

To access the most up-to-date details about the Galle Dialogue 2023 International Maritime Conference and even watch the conference live on 12th and 13th October, visit the official website at www.galledialogue.lk.