State Minister graces opening ceremony of 15th HACGAM – Working Level Meeting
July 09, 2019The 15th HACGAM – Working Level Meeting (WLM) hosted by the Sri Lanka Coastguard (SLCG) commenced at the Hilton Hotel in Colombo, today (09 July 2019). State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene graced the opening session as the chief guest this morning.
The State Minister was received by the Director General of the SLCG Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge upon his arrival at the venue. A large number of representatives from member countries, associate and observer organizations are attending the conclave this year.
Speaking at the occasion Sate Minister Wijewardene said that the maritime domain and its affairs have become one of the crucial factors that have the ability to decide and influence present as well as future affairs to a greater extent. The Indo-Pacific region is fast becoming the center of gravity in world affairs and has become the central area for maritime geopolitics, security, security, trade and environmental activities.
Emphasizing on the country’s strategic location he said that it is his belief that the country’s success and progress based on its vision of blue economy depend on safe and secure seas. He noted the emergence of nontraditional threats in the region as major concerns and called for collective effort for greater maritime partnership. Regional forums like the HACGAM can play a major role in providing a platform for much needed discussion and medium to form stronger partnerships among the maritime community, he further added.
The Working Level Meeting (WLM) which commenced today will end on Thursday (11). According to Coast Guard media, this is the first time Sri Lanka Coast Guard is hosting this multilateral meeting. The HACGAM is a high-level multilateral meeting of Coast Guards and Maritime Law Enforcement agencies to ensure safe, secure and cleaner seas in the Asian region which was originated by the initiatives of Japan in 2004. Presently, the HACGAM consists of 22 members.
Additional Secretary (Defence), Chief of Staff of the Navy and senior SLCG officers were also present at the occasion.
