By TON Sri Lanka

On Thursday, May 26, the Sri Lankan President vowed to support Indo-Pacific maritime security in his address to the 27th International Conference on ‘Future of Asia’ arranged by the Japanese publication Nikkei. Assuming Japan’s deep worry about maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region to stop the fast increasing role and influence of China. The “Maritime security” in Asia is a prickly issue that needs serious policy attention in order to avoid any mishap between the countries of the Asian region particularly the South Asian.

It also relates to traditional security concerning the show of naval power, and many non-traditional issues including human trading, drug smuggling, and illegal and unfettered fishing which continue to pose severe conflicts in this region.

Sri Lanka, has established a sound relationship with leading regional players including Japan. As a South Asian nation country Sri Lanka bears the responsibility to safeguard sea routes, and maritime resources and combat maritime crime over a significant region of the Indian Ocean and requires to look forward to partnering with the Asian community to expand its capacities in these areas in future.

In a surprising reference to youth power which is the most vocal in Sri Lanka in the form of the “Go Home” movement, the Lankan President said at a conference on ‘Future of Asia’ that a progressive feature of recent events in Sri Lanka has been the amplified commitment of our youth in the nation’s politics. As there is similar activism in other countries too, where the loss of confidence in prevailing systems has led to strong shows of opposition against governments.

It is important to ensure that these organisms go through the reforms that are vital to their improvement so that future generations may benefit from better opportunities in education and employment and lead to an increase in their efficiency.

Referring to the awful economic situation in Sri Lanka, the President required international help, especially bridge financing which requires the assistance of the international community to ensure that the immediate needs in terms of the ingress of indispensable medicines, nourishment supplies, fuel, etc.

As Sri Lanka is in an urgent need to help finance in a bid to reinstate confidence in the external sector and stabilize the economy of Sri Lanka till the debt restructuring process is completed and to begin the IMF program.

The President urged Japan to give a helping hand to Sri Lanka because Japan remains one of Sri Lanka’s key development partners, and the negotiations should now be underway regarding getting funds from Japan to support Sri Lanka to stabilize its economy and nation.

He said that it is a matter of great pride that Japan has always been and continues to be one of Sri Lanka’s key development cooperation partners, providing major aid and financial assistance for Sri Lanka's nation’s socioeconomic development over time.

The Lankan President also thanked India for rushing help to beleaguered Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is grateful for the support provided by India, as our close friend and neighbor, which replied with kindness in the time of our need. The President also said the support extended by our other neighbors and development partners, as well as regional and global institutions, is also profoundly valued.

He tried to pursue the world to the widespread problem concerning food security in Sri Lanka. The shortages of food items and sharp increases in food prices likely to occur in the months ahead will place considerably in Sri Lanka. It is therefore essential to pay attention to this crucial problem and prioritize agricultural production locally and improve our resilience in the face of this coming issue. He emphasized increasing the cooperation amongst nations which will also be necessary to ensure overcome this issue.

To achieve an enduring regional concern and remove civil unrest, conflicts, and communal violence there is a need of regional cooperation and a non-interference policy in the neighboring countries' affairs for getting their interests. Sri Lanka has been flawed by sectarian tensions throughout its history and its policymakers must come together to devise combined regional apparatuses on such issues.

Therefore to build up a capacity in the fields of peacebuilding and reconciliation is essential and also empowering the deprived as this is one of the root causes of unrest.

Currently, there are fissures that created a deadlock concerning the functioning of regional associations like SAARC to the core objectives and functioning and are affected by conflicts of member countries on matters relating to economic, political, or strategic interests. There is also a need that member countries of regional bodies should overcome impasses and work together in the true spirit of Asia to fulfill the south region’s development and progress on a priority basis.