SLN delegation including senior sailor takes part in Indo Pacific Sea Power Conference - 2022

The Indo Pacific Sea Power Conference-2022, hosted by the Royal Australian Navy, was held from 10th to 12th May 2022 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, Darling Harbour. On behalf of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, a delegation headed by Director General Training, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara took part in the conference which aimed to promote cooperative and collaborative regional partnerships. The SLN delegation for the first time comprised a senior sailor, representing the ratings of the Sri Lanka Navy.

The theme of this year’s Sea Power Conference was ‘The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain in the 21st Century – A Commonality of Purpose’. Meanwhile, delegates from 40 countries represented the recent edition of the conference and among them were navy chiefs of 31 countries. On the sidelines of Indo Pacific Sea Power Conference-2022, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara called on the Chief of Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mike Noonan and exchanged views on matters of mutual importance. The cordial discussion between them drew to a close with an exchange of mementoes. Besides, he also met with Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Justin Jones and exchanged mementoes as a gesture of goodwill.

In conjunction with the Indo Pacific Sea Power Conference-2022, the Navy Enlisted Leadership Conference – 2022 was conducted with the participation of senior naval ratings. Representing the Sri Lanka Navy, the forum was attended by Master Chief Petty Officer K Fernando XC 33824. Notably, this has turned out to be the first instance where a senior sailor has represented the Sri Lanka Navy in a conference of this magnitude. The rare opportunity allowed him to share views with a cross section of senior sailors who represented navies across the world.