SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa says Sri Lanka should position itself as a trusted bridge between Asia, the Middle East and Africa as the world enters the "Indian Ocean Century."

Speaking after attending the Global Economic Cooperation (GEC) East Summit in Singapore, Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka must prepare its youth for future jobs and empower the next generation through innovation and collaboration.

He added that the Indian Ocean, which has connected civilisations for centuries, must now connect the future.