Namal highlights strategic importance of Indian ocean

Colombo, March 18, (Daily Mirror) - SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa today underscored Sri lanka's pivotal role in the Indian Ocean during the WION Global Summit, highlighting the island nation’s strategic significance in global trade and security.

Addressing the gathering of diplomats, policymakers, and global experts, Namal highlighted the historical and contemporary importance of the Indian Ocean as a bridge between civilizations. “For thousands of years, the Indian Ocean connected societies rather than dividing them. Today, it has become one of the most important economic highways in the world, carrying two-thirds of global oil shipments and nearly half of container traffic,” Namal said.

He noted that Sri Lanka’s geographic position places it at the heart of these critical sea lanes, linking East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. “Our ports have served as trading hubs for centuries, and this geography now positions Sri Lanka at the crossroads of global commerce,” he added.

Namal said that strategic influence requires careful management, calling for a balanced foreign policy that safeguards national sovereignty while fostering partnerships. Highlighting India’s rise as a regional power, he said, “Sri Lanka’s strategic location and infrastructure complement India’s economic scale. Together, our countries can strengthen regional stability, maritime security, and economic prosperity.”

He also pointed to opportunities in the blue economy, sustainable energy, and regional connectivity. “Cooperation in marine research, sustainable fisheries, ocean technology, and renewable ocean energy can position the Indian Ocean as a hub of innovation and shared prosperity,” Namal said.

On global challenges, he emphasized the growing importance of technology, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as strategic domains that will shape power in the 21st century. He concluded by urging countries in the Indian Ocean region to preserve the waters as a bridge for peace, trade, and cooperation.

“The Indian Ocean shaped our past, and in the decades ahead, it will shape the future of the world. It is our responsibility to ensure it remains an ocean of peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity,” Namal said.