Opening Remarks by the Secretary of Defence at the Inauguration of the Australian Defence White Paper Workshop

The Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL) in collaboration with the Australian High Commission organised a workshop on the “Australian Defence White Paper” . The workshop which commenced today, the 23rd of October will continue till 25th October 2017.

The Secretary of Defence, Mr. Kapila Waidyaratne P.C gave the opening remarks during the inauguration of the workshop.

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"The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Travis Sinniah, Acting High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Australian Defence Adviser to Sri Lanka, Captain Jason Sears, Mr. Asanga Abeyagoonasekara, Director General of the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka, distinguished invitees and participants.
 
I consider it an honour to be present at the inauguration of the Defence White Paper Workshop, conducted by the Australian High Commission in partnership with the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka.
 
On the outset, I would like to express my appreciation to His Excellency, the Australian High Commissioner for initiating such a workshop for both our government and military officers. Australia has always been a valuable partner for Sri Lanka and the two nations presently enjoy cordial relations and cooperation in many areas.
 
It is indeed encouraging to see that this level of cooperation has extended to knowledge sharing in the defence sphere. I am certain that this workshop would lay the foundation for increased collaboration between the defence research arms of the two countries to share experience and expertise. The INSSL as the premier national security think tank in a short span of time has managed to organise an important and relevant workshop which will benefit the Ministry of Defence.
 
Threats to national security and the challenges we face have made the establishment of a national defence policy more necessary than before. It is my belief that a robust national defence policy could assist the policymakers of the country to initiate action necessary to uphold national security and unity. Such policy would also allow for the development of capacity of our armed forces to maintain a security environment that is complementary to our economic development.
 
Sri Lanka’s military outlook and priorities have vastly shifted from what it was a decade ago. The prevalence of non-traditional threats, Sri Lanka’s increased importance in the affairs of the Indian Ocean region and the new security environment we presently live in, have made the need for a holistic national defence policy all the more important. Priorities have shifted from land based security to air and naval based security, with the establishment of formations in this regard being considered to address our national security interests.
 
Last few weeks saw the conclusion of two successful defence forums held by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Air Force. Many issues pertaining to asymmetric threats, increased visibility of our naval forces were discussed at these forums. It is my view that a well thought out defence policy is needed to realise the inputs we get in such forums to practical action.
 
The creation of a viable defence policy would allow us to make an appraisal of the security environment we live in and adapt out military capabilities in proportion to what is required. At present, security threats are not limited to the physical borders of a state. This has called for increased international cooperation. I believe that a strong Sri Lankan defence policy would aid in capacity building and expanding international defence cooperation.
 
At this moment, I would also like to recall the outcomes of my visit to Australia last month, where I got the opportunity to discuss issues relating to people smuggling and maritime cooperation and enter in to a MOU with the Australian government on people smuggling and transnational crime. Therefore, I believe that we can learn from and exchange knowledge with our Australian counterparts in addressing issues that are of mutual importance to us.
 
An effective defence policy would enable Sri Lanka as a country to use the resources and capabilities it has to a more effective degree when protecting our national interests, and to maintain our preventative capabilities against threats that are both external and internal. It is important to note that this would remain a key defence priority for the country based on the experiences we have faced in the last few decades.
 
It is also my belief that initiating discussions and the sharing of knowledge relating to the global security landscape and exploring avenues for training would help Sri Lanka in producing an apt defence policy to cater to our national security interests.
 
I would like to conclude my remarks by wishing all the participants the very best over the proceedings of the next three days. I hope that the positive engagements that take place in this room will benefit all.
 
Thank you. "