In an increasingly dynamic world, the growing global focus on the Indian Ocean with the rise of Asian giants, has an undeniable impact on Sri Lanka as a coastal State. Given the centrality of the island to all maritime activity in the Indian Ocean, consequently to global lines of communication, and Sri Lanka’s long-recognised foreign policy stance of being friends of all – make us the ideal venue to discuss issues pertaining to the Indian Ocean region. The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) had long recognised this fact and with the end of the three-decade-long internal conflict, commenced The Galle Dialogue conference.

Today, the conference has grown to become one of the key calendar events for regional maritime security and safety in the Indian Ocean. The Navy has over the years, despite some resistance and challenges in resources, positioned The Galle Dialogue as a magnet for global players, who flock to Colombo or Galle to tune into the regional pulse and gain insights from key stakeholders in the Naval and maritime law enforcement domains. Sri Lanka is viewed as neutral grounds for all nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and given the island’s historic links to global powers, the Galle Dialogue has grown to become a gathering which attracts states which are friends, allies, partners, foes, aggressors and ‘frenemy’ to each other. This unique platform Sri Lanka provides for the region and extra-regional powers, and international organisations to meet and discuss common challenges, is unmatched. It is indeed one of Sri Lanka’s best uses of Naval diplomacy and position to help keep the region safe and stable. Sri Lanka has a history of punching above its weight in maritime matters, as we did during the formulation of the United Nations’ Law of the Sea, decades ago. The Galle Dialogue sets the environment for Sri Lanka and IOR neighbours to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the region, and stands as a testament to the island nation’s steadfast commitment to ensuring secure and stable seas for all.

This year, the 12th edition of the Galle Dialogue International Maritime Conference – held under the theme, ‘Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean under Changing Dynamics’, will commence tomorrow (24) at a Navy venue in Welisara. According to the SLN, the conference will see Naval personnel and professionals of the maritime spectrum from 36 countries attend. Several heads of Navies, including the Chief of the Naval Staff of India are expected to attend the conference. It is reported that more than 14 international organisations will also be represented at The Galle Dialogue this week. The conference will be held from 24-25 September. The conference will see discussions across five critical pillars: Marine Environment, Maritime Governance, Maritime Economy, Maritime Sustainability, and fostering a Clean Indian Ocean. There will be much to discuss as the Indian Ocean has seen significant changes, with both State and non-State actors maneuvering to get advantage or influence. The growing use of asymmetric tactics, lawfare, increasing cyber security challenges and influence operations in the region, impacts maritime operations as much as they impact domestic matters.

Sri Lanka has benefited well from The Galle Dialogue and must continue to build on its strongpoints. The nation must also develop a better focus on maritime matters including ocean governance and sustainable use of the oceans. The oceans are linked to Sri Lanka’s past, present and future. Its role in the island’s future and its growth is undeniable and should not be left to chance. Now is the time to develop a national maritime policy, and derive a strategy from it, which will help further our national interest. We can either choose our destiny or wait for someone else to choose it for us.