Colombo Air Symposium 2018 Kicked Off
3:42pm on Thursday 18th October 2018
The Colombo Air Symposium organised for the fourth consecutive year in 2018 by the Sri Lanka Air Force commenced today (18 October 2018) at the Eagles’ Lakeside Banquet & Convention Hall, Attidiya, Ratmalana under the auspices of His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 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, 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 Key Note Speech was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka, Professor Sampath Amarathunga.
Mementoes were presented to H.E. the President to mark the occasion by the Commander.
Today’s 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 from 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 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 from the Royal Australian Air Force.
Tomorrow will be the second and final day of the Colombo Air Symposium 2018. It will consist of two sessions where four foreign and local speakers will be sharing their knowledge.
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, 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 Key Note Speech was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka, Professor Sampath Amarathunga.
Mementoes were presented to H.E. the President to mark the occasion by the Commander.
Today’s 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 from 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 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 from the Royal Australian Air Force.
Tomorrow will be the second and final day of the Colombo Air Symposium 2018. It will consist of two sessions where four foreign and local speakers will be sharing their knowledge.
