- Transformation from traditional national security dialogue to a broader and collaborative platform
- Non-traditional threats and transnational crimes are major concerns in the current context
Citing the ‘Defence Review 2020’ launched by the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL) today (Jan 27), Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) said, addressing of several key thematic areas related to National Security including health, environmental and maritime security has set out an ideal opportunity to probe further into the core of the issue, with special reference to Non-Traditional Threats and Transnational Crimes, that are known to be the major concerns in the current context.
“This effort will definitely assist the government’s determined battle to conquer the religious extremism, radicalisation, de-radicalisation and proliferation of narcotics in-order-to identify the probable avenues and means in countering such threats”, he added.
Further referring to the ‘Defence Review 2020’ which is meant to recognize current threats perceived in the National Security context, he stated that “Scholarly papers presented are also seen precisely aligned towards achieving the objectives set for launching the Defence Review”.
He expressed these remarks while delivering the keynote speech at the launching ceremony of ‘Defence Review 2020’ as the Chief Guest, at the INSSSL, at Battaramulla today.
An Academic Paper on ‘Colombo Conclave 2020’ was also presented to the Defence Secretary during the session.
Defence Review 2020 is a compilation of six papers from local and international scholars. Authors are from Sri Lanka, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and United States of America.
This was initially launched in 2017 and this marks the third volume.
“INSSSL has been playing a key role in the Defence Ministry, the principal organ entrusted to ensure the country’s National Security, following the President’s vision, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’, and launching of literature such as ‘Defence Review’ is undoubtedly seen as a highly commendable notion towards our national effort”, the Defence Secretary stressed.
Gen. Gunaratne highlighting the contribution of INSSSL in ascertaining latest security developments through researches for country’s National Security Policy formulation, said “the launching of ‘Defence Review 2020’ is considered as another addition to the gamut of research related works performed by INSSSL for the betterment of the defence related aspects of the government of Sri Lanka”.
“The jewels of a Defence Review are scholarly personnel”, he said stating their sheer dedication and valuable time spent on research under various disciplines.
Referring to the recently concluded ‘Colombo Conclave 2020’, he said the initiative taken by the Institute to launch an Academic Paper related to the inaugural national conference on the theme of ‘A Comprehensive Security Paradigm for Sri Lanka’, along with the launching of the ‘Defence Review 2020’ is also praiseworthy, as the literature related to such an important conference is highly necessary for future record purposes.
The launching of ‘Defence Review 2020’ and the Academic Paper on ‘Colombo Conclave 2020’ will assist to transform the traditional National Security dialogue into a broader and collaborative platform with domestic and global expertise, he added as concluding remarks.
INSSSL is the premier national security think tank which performs under the Defence Ministry’s purview.
The institute conducts an array of national security research studies for the Defence Ministry covering a wider spectrum.
Foreign Ministry Secretary and Director General INSSSL, Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage (Retd), delivered the welcome address at the outset of the today’s programme.
He also presented copies of ‘Defence Review 2020’ and the ‘Academic Paper on ‘Colombo Conclave 2020’ and a memento to the Defence Secretary to symbolize the occasion.
Vice Chancellor of Gen. Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Maj. Gen. Milinda Peiris, Additional Secretary (National Security) Samanthi Weerasinghe, Brandix Group Head of Administration Maj. Gen. Udaya Perera (Retd), Head of the Department of International Relations of the University of Colombo Dr. Maneesha Pasqual, Director Communications – INSSSL Rear Admiral Dimuthu Gunawardene (Retd), Director Administration – INSSSL Nilmini Ullwishewa, the Editorial Board and a gathering of academics, think-tanks, and Tri-Forces officials were also among the distinguished invitees present.
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