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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Stage Set for Army-Organized 'Defence Seminar - 2013' at Colombo Galadari Hotel


(Media Release)

Preparations as regards the year’s Army organized ‘Defence Seminar - 2013,’ themed on ‘Post-conflict Sri Lanka: Challenges and Regional Stability’ (Sept 3-5) are receiving final touches as the list of foreign participants is still on the increase.

The ‘Defence Seminar - 2013’ slated to open, share and discuss a wide range of issues, related to Sri Lanka’s post-conflict era and regional stability is to be addressed by more than 23 guest speakers, including eight eminent foreign contributors from Bangladesh, China, Germany, India, Pakistan, UK and Vietnam.

‘The Impact of Post-Conflict Sri Lanka on Regional Stability’, ‘Post-Conflict Sri Lanka’s Contribution to Regional Stability; A Neighbour’s Perspective’, Post-Conflict Activity and Regional Stability; Drawing Parallels Between Pakistan and Sri Lanka’, ‘Sri Lanka’s Post-Conflict Success; Implications and Gains in Security for Bangladesh and Regional Stability’, A Stable Sri Lanka and China’s Rise in Asia; Regional Security Concerns’, ‘Global Perspective: Sri Lanka’s Rapid Recovery and Economic Success’, ‘Comparison of Africa and Sri Lanka; Post-Conflict Stability and Contribution to Regional Security’, ‘A Prosperous and Stable Sri Lanka in the Region: Challenges and Opportunities’, ‘Political and Foreign Relations’, ‘The Development of Sri Lanka and its Impact on the Stability of the Region’, ‘LLRC; The Way Forward’, ‘The Pearl of Asia; Transforming into a Strategically Important Economic Centre of the World’, ‘Nation Building’, ‘Prosperity and Stability as Partners; Rise of the Northern and Eastern Provinces of the Nation’ and Regional Perspective on Post-Conflict Sri Lanka; Challenges and Regional Stability’ are among major topics that would be covered by main speakers to the forum.

More than 50 foreign delegates, in addition to Colombo-based diplomats, Defence Attachés and a group of more than 20 India-based Defence Attachés have confirmed their participation in the conference by Thursday (29).   

Mr Lalith Weeratunge, Secretary to HE the President, Ministers Prof G.L Peiris and Dr Sarath Amunugama, Mr Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Dr Rohan Gunarathna, Mr Mohan Samaranayake, Mr Arun Thambimuttu and Mr Ajith Colonne are among those Sri Lankans, billed to address the sessions.

Dr Subramaniyan Swamy (India), Dr N Sathyamurthy (Chennai Chapter), Mr Sohail Amin (Pakistan), Senior Colonel Xu Hui (China), Senior Colonel Nguyen Hong Quan (Vietnam), Dr Clive Vincent Jachnik (UK) and Prof Joachim Joachim Krause (Germany) are among foreign speakers who would contribute to the sessions. Tri-service Commanders are also expected to share their views at the inaugural and during three-day long sessions.

Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army is scheduled to deliver the welcome address while Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence and Urban Development will make the keynote address at the opening session.

The three-day seminar categorized under Reconciliation (Session 1), Nation Building (Session 2), National Security (Session 3), Political / Foreign Relations (Session 4), Regional Perspective (Session 5) and Global Perspectives (Session 6) culminates with a press briefing. (Ends)