Lanka’s military success still draws interest

Sandasen Marasinghe

Military top brass of several countries met for the second time in Colombo yesterday following the defeat of terrorism in Sri Lanka to study and share views on Sri Lanka’s outstanding military successes and post- conflict recovery.

‘Defence Seminar - 2012’, - ‘Towards Lasting Peace and Stability’ organised by the Sri Lanka Army commenced yesterday at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo with Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as the Chief Guest.

Over 250 foreign and local delegates are attending the event and the annual international gathering brings together senior military personnel, administrators, bureaucrats and intellectuals to share experiences and discuss matters on a range of issues related to Sri Lanka’s post-conflict achievements and development.

Under the topic ‘Towards Lasting Peace and Stability’ this year, the participants deliberate on issues on Reconstruction, Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation in the aftermath of the defeating terrorism where the Defence Secretary in his keynote address said the great progress that had been accomplished in Sri Lanka was worthy of study.

The welcome speech was delivered by Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.

External Affair Minister Professor G L Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilake Amunugama, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunathilake, Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake, Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama and Inspector General of Police N K Ilangakoon also participated.

During the three day seminar, guest speakers from the UK, US, India and Pakistan will be among the over 22 speakers scheduled to share their views, learn and adapt experiences, explore ways and means for applicability of new technologies for development, promote economic revival and reconciliatory moves for long-lasting peace and stability in Sri Lanka.