Colombo Air Symposium 2018
The Colombo Air Symposium organised for the fourth consecutive year in 2018 by the Sri Lanka Air Force commenced at the Eagles’ Lakeside Banquet & Convention Hall, Attidiya, Ratmalana under the auspices of His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena.
The Minister of Sustainable Development, Wildlife and Regional Development, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Kapila Waidyaratne PC, High Commissioners and Ambassadors from Foreign countries, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Navy, the Inspector General of Police, past Commanders of the SLAF, Senior Officers of Tri Services, senior state officials, members of the diplomatic corps and distinguished scholars graced the occasion.
During the opening session, the Director Training, Air Vice Marshal WMKSP Weerasinghe made the introductory speech while the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy delivered the opening remarks of this years symposium conducted under the theme ‘Air Strategy in Substantiating the Geo- Strategic Importance of Sri Lanka’. The Commander spoke of the reasons for the strategic advantage of Sri Lanka and proudly noted that the ‘Vision 2025’ of the SLAF devised in congruity with the National Vision for 2025, which is underpinned by its inaugural ‘ Doctrine of the Air Force’ is a prominent policy measure implemented to advance the use of air power through the Air Force.
The keynote speech was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Professor Sampath Amarathunga.
The first session, under the topic of ‘ Harnessing the Advantage’, addressed how the Sri Lanka Air Force could exploit its geographical advantage to protect the skies. The session was moderated by Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe. The Second, on the topic “Next Generation Air Force”, focused on what is to be the Air Strategy for a smaller maritime nations. This Session was moderated by Group Captain Frazer Nicholson of the RAF
“Dynamics of Developing Air Power” was the topic of the third session, where discussion focused on how air power contributes to stimulate growth and development to ensure the national security of a country. This session was moderated by Air Vice Marshal AWE Wijesuriya. The fourth and final session of the first day was conducted under the topic of Resemblance in Employment. It focused on how air forces and aviation units in the region can unite to fight regional issues and challenges. This session was moderated by Group Captain Sean Unwin of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Second Day of the Colombo Air Symposium
The Symposium which was held under the theme of ‘Air Strat e gy in Substantiating the Geo- Strate gic Importance of Sri Lanka’ commenced the second day with a speech by Guest Speaker, the Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Major General James O. Eifert. In his speech, General Eifert stressed the importance of the Indian Ocean Region, the geo-strategic importance of Sri Lanka, and how the Sri Lanka Air Force would have to play a major role in controlling sea piracy, illegal fishing and illegal trades along sea routes.
The second day saw four speakers delivering presentations and fielding questions during the two sessions slated for the day. The first session of the day titled ‘Synergistic Effect’ was moderated by Mrs. Medha De Alwis. The second session of day two titled ‘Cross Service Cooperation’ was moderated by Air Vice Marshal PDKT Jayasinghe.
In summary the Colombo Air Symposium 2018 saw 12 learned speakers presenting their research findings on topics such as,
Sri Lanka as an ‘Air Task Force Hub’ to Secure the Indian Ocean Region Sri Lanka: The Driver’s Seat in the Indian Ocean
Strategizing Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy: The Scope of Air Diplomacy
The Global System, Air Power, and the Geo-Strategic Value of Small and Middle Maritime Powers in Asia
Air Power and Future Security in the Indian Ocean: An Australian Perspective Air Strategy in Substantiating the Maritime Interests over Bay of Bengal: Bangladesh Perspective Emerging Geo-strategic Importance of South Asian Region Regional HADR Architecture s : Geostrategic Importance of Sri Lanka in Addressing Ocean Based Disasters Managing Disaster from the Air: The role of Air Power in strengthening Sri Lanka’s HADR capabilities Enhancing Air Power Capability through Greater Joint Interdependence Significance of Co- operative Security Mechanism in the Indian Ocean Region: Synergy of Sea Power and Air Power. The concluding remarks were made by Dr. Michael Kraig, Associate Professor at the Air Command and Staff College USA who was also one of the presenters at the Symposium. On completion of all sessions, the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy awarded certificates and mementoes to the moderators and speakers of this year’s symposium.
The two day conference came to an end following the Vote of Thanks which was delivered by the Chairman of the Symposium Committee, Air Commodore HSS Thuyacontha and thus marked the successful completion of the 'Colombo Air Symposium - 2018'.