The Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) successfully conducted a round table discussion on 11 February 2026 at the INSS Conference Hall, Colombo, under the theme “Leveraging Air Power for the Blue Economy.” The guest speaker of the event was Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke (Retd) RWP and Bar RSP VSV USP MSc (Def Studies) in Mgmt MSc (Strategic Studies) ndc psc qfi. The moderator of the event was Major General Ranjan Wijedasa (Retd), Director General of INSS.
The session was delivered by Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke (Retd), a former Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force and former Chief of Defence Staff. The lecture provided strategic insights into the expanding role of air power in enhancing maritime security and supporting Sri Lanka’s blue economy. During his address, the Guest speaker emphasised the importance of sustained investment in air power as an essential element of national security. He further highlighted the close interlinkage between air power and maritime security and he also underscored the necessity of collective and coordinated efforts among relevant stakeholders in addressing emerging challenges.
The session also featured an interactive question-and-answer segment, facilitating meaningful engagement between the Guest speaker and participants. The discussion was attended by senior officers, officials representing the tri-services, members of the Institute, and representatives from the Sri Lanka Border Risk Assessment Centre (BRAC). A number of participants also joined the session virtually via Zoom, further broadening the reach of the discussion.
Air Vice Marshal Andrew Wijesuriya (Retd) also attended the event and contributed to the discussion by offering fruitful comments and additional insights, further enriching the overall dialogue.
INSS extends its sincere gratitude to Air Chief Marshal Gunatilleke for sharing his expertise and strategic perspectives and acknowledges the guidance and support of the Secretary of Defence in fostering such platforms for national security dialogue.
