“Galle Dialogue” International Maritime Conference in Colombo with participation of 33 countries

16-Sep-2025

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The 12th “Galle Dialogue” international maritime conference will be held in Colombo on September 24–25. This internationally recognized conference has been organized to bring together naval commanders, policymakers, academics, and maritime experts worldwide, according to Rear Admiral Dermotiyan Fernando, Chief of Naval Staff.

He announced this at a press briefing held on September 15 at the Lighthouse Restaurant premises in Colombo Fort.

This year, the conference will be hosted at the Navy Hall in Welawatte — the first time it is being held in Colombo — utilizing naval facilities to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficient logistics.

The primary aim of the conference is to foster constructive dialogue on challenges and opportunities in the Indian Ocean region.

The theme of this year is: “Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean in a Changing Environment.”

The Indian Ocean is crucial for global trade and energy security. However, it faces increasing pressures from geopolitical competition, maritime security threats, climate change, and environmental degradation.

The conference will address these urgent issues under five focus areas:

Marine Environment – Ensuring safety.

Maritime Governance – Strengthening rules-based order.

Maritime Economy – Responsibly unlocking the blue economy.

Maritime Sustainability – Balancing development and security.

Clean Indian Ocean – Combating pollution for future generations.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya will participate as the Chief Guest. As of today, 33 countries and 12 international organizations have confirmed participation.

This is considered a major diplomatic achievement. Such wide participation underscores the global recognition that the future of the Indian Ocean can only be secured through collective and cooperative efforts.

The issues to be discussed are not abstract — they directly affect national security, prosperity, and way of life.

The conference will be led by the Northern Naval Area Commander, appointed as chair of the organizing committee. Its success will be a testament to Sri Lanka’s foreign policy of being “a friend to all nations.”

The main focus of the conference will be on security and cooperation. Sri Lanka’s strategic location makes it a key point for safe sea lanes.

With frequent visits by foreign naval ships to Sri Lankan ports, the country’s naval diplomacy has been highly successful in fostering international cooperation.

The Galle Dialogue is expected to serve as an important platform for ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean.

The confirmed list of participating navies and organizations further highlights the event’s importance and global reach.

He said that countries participating include: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, 

Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zambia.