October 22, 2018 (LBO) - The annual 'Galle Dialogue- 2018' International Maritime Conference organized by the Sri Lanka Navy commenced at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, today.
The President and Commander in -Chief of the Armed Forces HE Maithripala Sirisena graced the inaugural session of the conference as the Chief Guest, this morning.
State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr.
Kapila Waidyaratne PC also attended the opening session.
The keynote address was made by Secretary Waidyaratne.
After reading the message of the President the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe presented a memento to the President to mark the occasion.
The flagship two-day conference of the Sri Lanka Navy is being held for the 9th consecutive time under the theme 'Synergizing for Collaborative Maritime Management', this year.
The international conclave is attended by representatives from a host of nations including several navy chiefs.
Since the inaugural conference in 2010 the 'Galle Dialogue' International Maritime Conference has carved its self a niche in the international conference circuit drawing a growing audience from among the maritime nations. The conference aims to provide a common platform for stake holders of national and international repute to discuss and deliberate maritime related issues specifically to enhance cooperation of maritime security and sharing of knowledge and information amongst them.
Minister of Ports and Shipping, Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Chief of Defence Staff, Commanders of the Army and Air Force, IGP, senior state officials, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished invitees and a large number of local and foreign participants were also present at the inaugural session.
(Source: www.defence.lk)