Director Training, Air Vice Marshal MDAP Payoe made the introductory speech while the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias delivered the welcome address of this year’s symposium conducted under the theme ‘A Small Air Force: Way Forward in Achieving Future Vision’.
The Commander spoke of how the Colombo Air Symposium, over a span of five years has achieved recognition as one of the most sought after discourse in Asia. He also stressed on how synergetic incorporation of key concepts such as technological advancements, force re-structuring and multilateral corporation will enable Air Forces with limited resources and capabilities in ensuring their national interests.
The Key Note Speech was delivered by Dr. David Brewster, who is a Senior Fellow of the National Security College in the Australian National University. He specialises in Indian Ocean Security and Indo Pacific issues. Following the Key Note Speech, mementos were presented by the Commander of the Air Force to the Chief Guest, Minister Ruwan Wijewardene, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Keynote Speaker. In addition to the memento, the Chief Guest was also presented with the inaugural copy of the Colombo Air Symposium 2019 Journal.
This year’s theme will explore the future of small air forces in addressing the challenges impending from ever dynamic global realities which require a wider understanding and stronger collaborations under session themes, Doctrine Beyond Dogma, Conceptual Transition. Paradigm Shift of Air Power, Exploring Core Competencies, Customised Propagation and Fostering Aerial Diplomacy.
The Symposium was attended by the Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force Roshan Goonetileke; the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Shantha Kottegoda (Retired); High Commissioners and Ambassadors from Foreign countries; Chief of Defence Staf; Commander of the Army’ Commander of the Navy; Acting 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.
