INSS LAUNCHES THE NATIONAL SECURITY CONCLAVE 2023

The third edition of the national security conference of the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) titled ‘National Security Conclave 2023’ commenced under the guidance of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) at the auditorium of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University today morning (17 May 2023).

The conclave, themed ‘National Security Challenges in the 21st Century’ was graced by His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremasinghe as the chief guest. The conference created an excellent platform to share the perspectives and knowledge of military officers, law enforcement officers, researchers, academics, think tanks and senior experts from across the country on the thematic areas.

At the invitation extended by Rear Admiral Dimuthu Gunawardena (Retd), acting Director General of INSS, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil Chief of Defence Staff attended the inauguration session. Delivering the welcome address, the acting Director General of INSS warmly welcomed the chief guest and the distinguished invitees to the occasion whilst extending special gratitude for sparing time to grace the ceremony amidst busy schedules. He also thanked the intellectuals and the participants of this endeavour for taking hands with the institute.

His Excellency the President delivered a comprehensive speech on the theme of the conclave highlighting the challenges of small nations like Sri Lanka in geopolitics. During the address, HE the President emphasized that security is not only related to the military aspect but other fields such as food, health and many fields come under. The Chief Guest elaborated that these types of conclaves facilitate the nation to address future challenges such as pandemics, disasters, etc and to be prepared to respond to them effectively. It is further stressed that these types of discussions are an added advantage in identifying and addressing global revelries and their challenges to the region, particularly to Sri Lanka. HE the President promoted the habit of conducting research and studies on security and related issues which enables Sri Lanka to emerge as a sustainable nation by 2030. The chief guest thanked and appreciated the effort taken by the staff of INSS to organize this conclave. To mark the inauguration ceremony of the National Security Conclave 2023, HE the President posed in a group photograph along with the distinguished guests at the auditorium.

The ceremony was also attended by the National Security Advisor to the President Mr Sagala Rathnayake, Commander of the Navy, Vice Chancellor- KDU, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Director General Air Operations of Sri Lanka Air Force, IGP, number of prominent personalities and intellectuals.