COLOMBO AIR SYMPOSIUM 2023’ COMMENCED

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) organised Colombo Air Symposium (CAS) commenced for the sixth time in the morning today (09 Oct 23) at the Eagle’s Lakeside Banquet and Convention Hall, Attidiya, Colombo. The ceremony was graced by the National Security Advisor, Mr Sagala Ratnayaka as the chief guest.

The thematic Symposium that was unfolded on the theme "Fostering Shared Air Interests in the IOR: Geopolitical Cooperation, Complexities, and Compulsions" expects to establish a solid platform to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding among nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly regarding shared air interests.

Delivering the keynote address in the inauguration ceremony of the symposium, the Director of the National Defence University of Malaysia, Centre for Defence and International Security Studies, Professor Adam Leong Kok Wey laid a solid foundation for the forum. He further emphasised that these types of discussions are a timely need for military personalities to address the dynamic challenges.

The symposium that aimed to delve into the realms of defence and security, exploring the multifaceted dimensions of airpower, interaction, and association was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP dc psc MPhil at the invitation extended by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa RSP and two Bars, VSV, USP, MSc (MOA) USA, MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, MA in IS&S (UK), BSc (Def Stu), MIM (SL), AMIE (SL), rcds, psc.

Attending the symposium, the CDS congratulated the Commander and all officers of the SLAF for the successful launch of this annual symposium whilst wishing them the strength to continue the good work.

The symposium is participated by a number of diplomatic community, military personnel, academics and practitioners representing friendly countries. The ceremony was also attended by Hon Premitha Bandara Tennakoon the State Minister of Defence, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Tri-Service Commanders, senior retired and serving military officers, and distinguished dignitaries.