http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=3rd_Defence_Seminar_in_September_20130124_03

3rd Defence Seminar in September- 2013

'Post-Conflict Sri Lanka - Challenges & Regional Stability'

'Post-Conflict Sri Lanka - Challenges & Regional Stability' will be the theme of the 3rd Defence Seminar -2013 said the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya during a press meet held at the Army Headquarters yesterday (23rd January 2013). The army is in the process of initial planning and arrangements of the event which is planned to be held from 3rd to 5th September 2013 at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo.

The Defence Seminar is an annual international gathering that brings together senior military personnel, administrators, bureaucrats and intellectuals from around the globe to share experiences and discuss matters on a range of topics and issues related to Sri Lanka's post-conflict achievements and development.

Already invitations to foreign delegates, contributors and observers from more than 62 countries have been extended by the army. The three day international seminar will create an interactive platform to deliberate on a wide range of issues related to post-conflict reconstruction, social integration, reconciliation and regional stability at regional level giving an analytical approach to the Sri Lankan experience.

The international conclave of defence personalities is a brain child of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The inaugural conference was held in 2011 and the second was held last year which saw a distinguished gathering of over 270 local and foreign participants from 44 countries. During the last gathering Sri Lanka's reconciliation programme came under praise especially the rehabilitation of ex combatants by the international participants.

Within a short span of time Sri Lanka has been able to rise from the ashes of a three decade long separatist terrorist conflict and reach out to the world in order to share its experiences. Its ambitious post war reconciliation programme has brought in much desired changes in the once war ravaged Northern and Eastern region. The multi faceted integrated development projects aimed to meliorate the living conditions of the war affected masses have helped to strengthen their socio economic standings. The country in general and the north eastern region in particular is reaping the dividends of peace brought in through a concerted national humanitarian campaign.

The two successive Defence Seminars have helped to draw much attention and importance to this year's event. A number of speakers and attendees of the 2012 seminar have already indicated their willingness to return this year as well. The willingness of foreign countries to increase their representation is a clear indication of the importance that the Defence Seminar has garnered in the international arena.

The redesigned website dedicated to the Defence Seminar, www.defseminar.lk was also launched last evening. The website gives details of the seminar and anyone can get access to details of the seminar through this website