• Defence Min. Secy. addresses high-profile security summit in Moscow 
• SL advocates adherence to int’l law, freedom of navigation; calls for collective action 

Ministry of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, addressing a security forum in Moscow on Thursday (28), called for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to remain a zone of peace. 

Thuyacontha made the request while addressing the 14th International Meeting of High-Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters held in Moscow, Russia. 

Addressing the gathering on the topic of ‘Emerging global security challenges in the context of a multipolar world order,’ Thuyacontha said: “Traditional security threats are increasingly compounded by non-traditional challenges including cyberattacks, terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, disinformation, and the misuse of emerging technologies.”

He added that economic instability, food and energy insecurity, and climate-related disasters continued to intensify vulnerabilities, particularly among developing nations and small states, noting: “These interconnected challenges demonstrate that security today cannot be viewed solely through a military lens.”

The Secretary said that these developments carried particular importance for Sri Lanka due to its position at the centre of the Indian Ocean. 

“The Indian Ocean has become an area of increasing geopolitical and economic significance in the emerging multipolar world. As competition among major powers expands into the region, maintaining stability, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law becomes essential for regional and global security. Sri Lanka firmly believes that the Indian Ocean should remain a zone of peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity. We therefore advocate constructive engagement, mutual respect, and dialogue among nations to prevent the law from escalating into confrontation.”

He also warned that strategic competition amongst major powers, growing geopolitical tensions, and the weakening of multilateral consensus were creating uncertainty in the international security environment. 

“Sri Lanka also recognises that no country can address modern security threats alone. Challenges such as cybercrime, maritime insecurity, terrorism, and climate-related risk require strong international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and collective action. 

“As a nation guided by the principles of nonalignment and peaceful coexistence, Sri Lanka continues to maintain balanced and friendly relations with all countries. We believe that smaller states have an important role in promoting dialogue, building trust, and supporting stability in an increasingly complex global environment,” he said.

“The emergence of multiple worlds must not divide the international community. Instead, it should encourage a more inclusive and cooperative global order based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared responsibility,” the Ministry of Defence Secretary told the audience, stressing that Sri Lanka remained committed to working closely with all partners to strengthen international security, promote regional stability, and contribute towards a peaceful and secure future for all.