The seminar, conducted in collaboration between Lakshman Kadiragamar Institute and the Japanese Embassy in Colombo, was graced by the presence of Hon. Komura Masahiro, M.P., the Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. Stressing the event's significance, the State Minister, hon Premitha Bandara Tennakoon as the key note speaker highlighted IORA's role in advancing Disaster Risk Management (DRM) through fostering cooperation among member states and dialogue partners, with the goal of establishing a resilient, connected, and open Indian Ocean region. The panel discussion featured participation from Yamada Tetsuya of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka office, A.J.M. Gunasekara (General Manager, Acting) from the Marine Environmental Protection Authority, and Maj. Gen. S Ranasinghe (Director General of the DMC). Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, Executive Director of LKI, delivered the welcome remarks, while Dr. Harinda Vidanage, Director of International Relations and Founding Director of the Centre for Strategic Assessment at Kotelawala Defence University, moderated the panel discussion. The event was attended by distinguished guests, senior serving and retired tri-forces officers, as well as students from LKI. INSS’s Overseeing Director General and Acting Director Research Colonel Nalin Herath RSP who is also the Director Media of Ministry of Defence and several members of INSS were able to participate at this timely event.
