FM stresses need for enhanced maritime security

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who is attending the two-day Shangri-La Dialogue Security Summit in Singapore, met a number of Ministers and Chiefs of Staff on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Minister Bogollagama met the dignitaries after he delivered his address under the theme “How Successful is Counterterrorism in the Asia-Pacific” focusing on Sri Lanka’s Experience on May 31, at this elite Summit.

Minister Bogollagama explained the recent successful conclusion of the Provincial Council elections in the East of Sri Lanka and the manner in which the milieu was created to hold elections, general political developments in the country as well as in the region, bilateral economic and investment issues, the forthcoming SAARC summit in Colombo and issues related to terrorism as well as cooperation in the realm of defencse among others.

In the meeting between Minister Bogollagama and Minister Chowdhury of Bangladesh, Minister Bogollagama briefed the forthcoming SAARC Summit, in detail, and expectations of it from the member countries.

Minister Bogollagama also broached the propositions such as enhanced connectivity between and among the countries of the SAARC, SAARC Development Fund, SAARC University, a structured charter for observer states and legal framework with the Secretary General of the SAARC, last week, when he visited Colombo.

Minister Bogollagama briefed economic and political developments of Sri Lanka to the Minister of Defence of Singapore, Teo Chee Hean. The Foreign Minister impressed upon the Singaporean Defence Minister the utility of the Shangri-La Dialogue, to member countries as well as other countries, since very few forums focus on Defence and Security related issues.

Minister Bogollagama stated that the Shangri-La Dialogue was a perfect platform to deliberate complex issues and forge relations with Ministers in charge of Defence and Security as well as other Policy makers and senior military personnel among others.

The Foreign Minister also stated that the bilateral trade between the two countries have surpassed USD 1 billion and Singapore is one of the premier investors in Sri Lanka. The two Ministers also discussed the importance of food security and potential measures to address the food security.

MM Pallam Raju, Minister of State for Defense of India, expressed satisfaction to Minister Bogollagama of the manner in which the Eastern Province elections were conducted and the restoration of normality and democratic process. The Foreign Minister added that the LTTE had killed a large number of Tamil political leaders in the country and had subjugated the people of the North and East.

The two Ministers also discussed the impressive rise of the bilateral trade and investments between the two countries as well as the increasing potential for tourism. Further, the Ministers agreed that once the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is operational, the commercial activity could markedly increase.

Joint Chief of Staff of Pakistan, Gen. Tariq Majid, expressed appreciation for the instrumental role played by Sri Lanka with regard to the re-entry of Pakistan to the Commonwealth and Sri Lanka’s contribution to Pakistan at the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), during the meeting the Foreign Minister had with Gen. Majid.

Minister Bogollagama stressed the fact that the issue of terrorism should be extended continuing focus and maritime security needs to have enhanced visibility. The Foreign Minister also added that the Indian Ocean region needs higher security since the maritime activity is one of the highest in the world.

He further added that 50% of movement of vessels and ships is on the straits of Asia and is one of the busiest, thus needing greater degree of security and safety.

At this luncheon, Minister Bogollagama stated that natural disasters is also an issue which should be addressed with high degree of efficacy in formation of ways to respond to situations, where natural disasters have struck, with rapidity and speed.