Galle Dialogue 2025 highlights need of shaping collective responses to emerging maritime trends

WITH the Indian Ocean's trade routes, energy flows and fragile ecosystems under growing strain, Sri Lanka last week convened navies, policymakers and experts from across the world to chart a collective path forward.

- BY SHANIKA SRIYANANDA

The 12th Galle Dialogue International Maritime Conference, held from 24-25 September at the Navy's Wave n' Lake Hall in Welisara, brought together delegates from 37 nations and 16 international organisations.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) under guidance of the Defence Ministry, the two-day forum was held under the theme 'Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean under Changing Dynamics', focusing on pressing regional challenges, including maritime security, environmental protection, the blue economy, and collaborative governance, highlighting Sri Lanka's strategic role in safeguarding one of the world's most critical maritime regions.

SLN Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, in his welcome address thanked Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and all local and foreign delegates for presence and stressed the Navy's pivotal role in ensuring maritime security and safety aligned with environmental, social and ethical transformation.

Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Damian Fernando then introduced this year's five thematic pillars: marine environment, maritime governance, maritime economy, maritime sustainability and a clean Indian Ocean.

Calling for collective action to secure a peaceful and sustainable Indian Ocean, Prime Minister Amarasuriya urged regional and global stakeholders to collaborate in securing the Indian Ocean, one of the world's most strategic maritime domains.

Delivering the Keynote address she emphasised the Indian Ocean's vital role not only as a trade and energy corridor but also as a lifeline supporting millions of people in coastal communities.

She noted that the region faces a range of traditional and nontraditional challenges, including geopolitical rivalries, climate change, overfishing, pollution, illegal migration, and drug trafficking.