Global security must evolve through cooperation, says Shavendra Silva

Colombo, June 2 (Daily Mirror) - Former Army Commander and Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, has called for a more inclusive, balanced, and resilient global security framework, emphasizing the need for stronger multilateral cooperation and strategic restraint among nations amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.

Delivering a speech at the 5th edition of the Wanshou Dialogue on Global Security in Beijing, gtitled “Transformation and Reshaping of Global Security: Sri Lanka’s Perspective from the Frontlines of Conflict and Crisis,” Silva highlighted the dramatic changes in the international security landscape, noting that modern threats now extend beyond conventional warfare to include cyberattacks, terrorism, disinformation, artificial intelligence, economic coercion, and climate-related challenges.

Drawing from his experience as Army Commander, Chief of Defence Staff, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and head of the national COVID-19 response, Silva said the post-Cold War order is giving way to a more fragmented multipolar system marked by strategic competition and geopolitical uncertainty.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s own experience, he said the defeat of terrorism in 2009 demonstrated the importance of decisive state action while underscoring how modern conflicts are increasingly influenced by international financing networks, propaganda campaigns, illicit arms flows, and external geopolitical pressures.

Silva stressed that smaller nations are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of great-power rivalry and economic dependency. He reiterated that Sri Lanka has consistently sought to maintain strategic balance while safeguarding its sovereignty and fostering constructive relations with all partners.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s longstanding ties with China, Silva described China as an important development and economic partner, citing cooperation in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, and post-crisis recovery, as well as support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges.

Looking ahead, Silva advocated what he termed “smart multilateralism,” calling for reforms within international institutions, particularly the United Nations, to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and amplify the voice of the Global South. He also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation mechanisms such as the Colombo Security Conclave in addressing maritime security, cybersecurity, disaster response, and transnational crime.

He further called for clearer international norms governing emerging technologies, cyber operations, artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons systems, and outer space security, while warning that climate change poses an increasingly significant security challenge for island nations.

Concluding his remarks, Silva said the ongoing transformation of global security should be viewed not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity to build a more inclusive international order. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to contributing as a responsible voice from the Global South while promoting peace, stability, development, and sovereign equality through international cooperation.