A workshop on developing Sri Lanka’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) was hosted by Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI), in collaboration with the Australian High Commission and the National Security College of the Australian National University held at the Lighthouse Auditorium recently. A special report assessing Sri Lanka’s maritime challenges and MDA capabilities, prepared by Dr. David Brewster, Captain Simon Bateman (Rtd.), and Dr. Anthony Bergin from the Australian National University’s National Security College, was presented at the workshop. The Sri Lanka Navy The Commander attended the concluding discussions.
Executive Director of the LKI Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha highlighted the workshop’s importance in fostering stronger dialogue on Sri Lanka’s MDA and in addressing critical issues affecting the regional maritime security of the Indian Ocean. He said the workshop represents an important step towards ensuring sustainable development and protection of maritime resources, aligning with Sri Lanka’s chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and its contribution until recently as the chair of the Maritime Safety and Security Working Group.
Dr. Brewster explained that the report aims to provide a fresh perspective on Sri Lanka’s maritime challenges and capabilities, serving as a tool for future MDA initiatives. “We hope that this report, when finalized, will become a good reference work for addressing Sri Lanka’s maritime challenges,” he stated. He emphasised the importance of a whole-of-government approach in addressing maritime challenges helps to guide Sri Lanka’s partners in developing the maritime sector to coordinate better and minimise overlaps when implementing programmes. “The recommendation included in the report aim to provide a basis for discussion and debate for Sri Lanka to decide what is best for Sri Lanka,” he stressed.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner Lalita Kapur expressed appreciation for the close bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Australia. She recognised Sri Lanka’s potential to become a leading maritime hub in the Indian Ocean and reiterated Australia’s commitment to support Sri Lanka in navigating maritime challenges and opportunities. “We want to support Sri Lanka as it charts its own path in understanding its maritime domain,” she noted, emphasising Australia’s long-term commitment to promoting a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Indian Ocean region.
Thanking the efforts made by the team of experts from ANU, Rizvi Hassen, Director General of the Environment and Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the significance of developing Sri Lanka’s MDA capabilities. He highlighted the challenges ahead and the importance of a robust framework for MDA development. “We need to ensure sustainable development and protection of maritime resources,” he stated, underscoring the workshop’s role in achieving these goals.
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