The confirmation of participation by 197 foreign participants from 66 countries at the Defence Seminar 2014 is another achievement for Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the elimination of terrorism, as it clearly indicates that the seminar has secured a prominent place in the global events calendar, said Army Commander Lt. Gen. Daya Ratnayake.

He said this event which is the brainchild of Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is to be held for the fourth consecutive year from August 18 to 20 at the Galadari Hotel under the theme ‘Sri Lanka: Challenges to a Rising Nation.’ The Army Commander addressing a press conference at the Mechanical Engineering Regiment premises said the seminar will have around 350 participants. He said more than 20 guest speakers including eminent scholars and intellectuals, and think tanks with an international reputation and recognition will speak at the seminar. He added a majority of them represent civil society since about 75 percent of the national security is dealt by civil society while the Security Forces are responsible for the rest.

The Commander said that this event is another post war victory for Sri Lanka since it has been able to secure a place in the Global Event Calender within a short period of time and it has brought and would bring many benefits to the country.

He said that when the first seminar was held it was very difficult to bring the participants and by means of personal contacts of the then Commander and others that invitations were sent. He added however now when the website is open they apply and they are ready to take part. “The other matter is that the entire world is coming to an understanding of our standards which is beneficial to build our image amidst many vicious attempts made against Sri Lanka by inimical forces”.

“Another is that members of our Security Forces are requested to take part in foreign military events to share our talents and experiences while they request to take part in our courses as well,” he added. Army Chief of Staff Major General Prasad Samarasinghe, Coordinator of the Defence Seminar 2014 Brigadier Ralf Nugera, Military Spokesman and Director to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Media Center Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya and Director Army Media Brigadier Jayanath Jayawera also were present.