Focused on the thematic 5Rs (Reconstruction, Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, Reconciliation) in post-conflict Sri Lanka, final touches are being given to hold the Army-initiated international ‘Defence Seminar - 2012’, titled ‘Towards Lasting Peace and Stability’ from Wednesday (8). It will continue till Friday (10) at Colombo Galadari Hotel.

The three-day ‘Defence Seminar - 2012’, slated to open, share and discuss a wide range of strategic and conceptual innovations and infrastructure issues, directly related to Sri Lanka’s post-conflict 5Rs and development, in the context of both regional and global scenario, is to be addressed by erudite scholars, administrators, military leaders and renowned experts of national and international fame.

Three-day deliberations are designed to dwell exclusively on Reconstruction and Resettlement (Day 1), Rehabilitation and Reintegration (Day 2) and Reconciliation (Day 3) spheres, highlighting the Army’s evolution to be effective peace builders from that of the role of most effective warriors in the past 3 years.

Over 22 speakers, including intellectuals, bureaucrats and military officers are scheduled to share their views, learn and adapt experiences, explore ways and means for applicability of new technologies for development, promote economic revival and reconciliatory moves for long-lasting peace and stability, etc during these sessions.

Guest speakers from the UK, US, India, Pakistan as well as Mr Lalith Weeratunge, Secretary to President, Prof. G.L Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, Mr Basil Rajapaksa, Hon Minister of Economic Development, Mr Mahinda Samarasinghe, Hon Minister of Plantations, Dr Rajeev Wijesinghe (MP), Dr Ajith Nivard Cabral, Governor for Central Bank, Mr S.B Divaratne, Secretary, Presidential Task Force for Resettlement, Development and Security in the Northern Province, Mrs Imelda Sukumar, Additional Secretary, Presidential Secretariat and former District Secretary for Jaffna, Dr Malkanthi Hettiarachchi, Dr M. Safras, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army, Major General M. Hathurusinghe, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters-Jaffna, Major General G.D.H.K Gunaratne, Adjutant General, Major General S. Ranasinghe, Major General A.W.J.C De Silva, Colonel Commandant, Sri Lanka Engineers and Brigadier D.D.U.K Hettiarachchi, Commissioner General Rehabilitation, are among the invitees, scheduled to contribute to the seminar sessions.

Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence and Urban Development is to deliver the keynote address during the inaugural sessions.

By Monday (6), a total of direct 64 foreign delegates in addition to Colombo based diplomatic community / representatives from 42 countries have already confirmed their participation in the deliberations. Altogether, a total of about 250 participants, of which more than 115 are foreigners, are expected for the sessions. In addition, a few dozens of other foreign destinations are in close contact with the Army for onward arrangements.

Sri Lanka Army in the year 2011 successfully conducted the first-ever ‘Defence Seminar’ upon eradication of terrorism and set forth the factual background and operational context of the humanitarian operations. Over 94 delegates from 41 countries participated in the inaugural seminar at Colombo.  

This forum, a novel feature came to the fore in 2011 as a conceptual notion of the Secretary Defence and Urban Development and was entrusted to the Commander of the Army for its annual implementation with the objective of overcoming challenges on the road to Sri Lanka’s recovery, durable peace and stability.