Colombo: Mr. Rahul Roy Chaudhury, a Senior Fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), engaged in discussions with Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The meeting took place at the Deputy Minister’s office, focusing on Sri Lanka’s involvement in the Shangri-La Dialogue.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the discussion emphasized Sri Lanka’s role in the Shangri-La Dialogue, a significant defence and security summit held annually in Singapore by the IISS. The parties recognized the importance of Sri Lanka’s active participation in this forum to express its views on regional security and to enhance multilateral partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Mr. Roy Chaudhury pointed out that the Shangri-La Dialogue offers a distinctive platform for high-ranking government officials, defence ministers, military leaders, and strategic thinkers to discuss urgent security issues. He remarked that Sri Lanka’s input would be valuable, particularly in areas like maritime security, counterterrorism, and emerging regional threats.

The Deputy Minister expressed appreciation for the IISS’s initiative and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication to engaging in global and regional security forums. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean and its crucial role in promoting dialogue and cooperation for peace, stability, and secure maritime routes.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing on the importance of ongoing collaboration between Sri Lanka and IISS to advance shared security goals through dialogue and partnership.