Key regional leaders, defence experts, and scholars call for urgent collaboration as South Asia faces complex environmental and geopolitical challenges.

As climate change accelerates, geopolitical tensions simmer, and economic inequalities deepen, South Asia finds itself navigating one of the most complex periods in its modern history. Against this backdrop, a powerful call for integrated regional action took center stage at the launch of the South Asia Sustainability & Security Research Institute (SASSRI) on September 10, 2025, at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo.
The gathering convened a distinguished assembly of attendees, including Ambassadors/High Commissioners, Senior officials from the Government of Sri Lanka, representatives from the Tri Forces, leaders from the private sector, scholars from academic institutions, members of policy think tanks and other delegates from diplomatic missions, as well as development partners and other notable individuals.
Dr. Nirmal De Silva, Board Director of SASSRI, delivering the welcome address emphasised the vision behind the institute, noting that “SASSRI is not merely an academic platform, but a dynamic institution created to bridge research with real-world policy and practice. South Asia’s stability, prosperity, and resilience depend on collaborative solutions that recognise the deep interconnection between sustainability and security.”
He outlined how SASSRI intends to generate interdisciplinary research, shape evidence-based policies, and promote regional dialogue to address pressing issues such as climate change, resource management, socio-economic disparities, and geopolitical tensions.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, Visiting Senior Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and Professorial Fellow at Gateway House said; “South Asia’s economic future and security challenges are deeply intertwined, and it is only through regional cooperation and shared knowledge that we can navigate these complex dynamics. The establishment of SASSRI comes at a critical moment, providing the region with the research capacity and strategic foresight it urgently needs.”
Delivering the keynote address Dr. Harinda Vidanage, Director of the International Relations Office and Centre for Strategic Assessment at KDU, underscored the geostrategic centrality of South Asia in contemporary global politics, noting that “The Indian Ocean is no longer just a regional space but a critical artery for global trade, energy security, and strategic competition. For South Asia, maritime security is no longer optional—it is existential. This makes initiatives such as SASSRI vital to ensure our region’s voices and perspectives are heard in shaping the global agenda.”
“The Indian Ocean Region faces evolving and complex security threats that go beyond traditional defence. We must collectively reimagine maritime security, taking into account cyber threats, environmental risks, and non-state actors, while strengthening trust and cooperation among regional stakeholders,” Lt. Gen.(Rtd) Vinod G. Khandare (former Principal Adviser to the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and Former Military Adviser to the Prime Minister of India) said at the event.
Lieutenant General G. A. V. Reddy (Retired), Chief Strategic Officer of the Synergia Foundation and Former Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency, India stressed that “Think tanks and research institutes like SASSRI play a critical role in connecting state policy, defence establishments, and civil society. By fostering dialogue and producing evidence-based insights, they enable nations to move from reactive responses to proactive strategies in ensuring security and sustainability.”
The event also saw the signing of MoUs with the Strategic Research and Growth Foundation (India), Synergia Foundation (India), and the Maldives Policy Think Tank, reaffirming SASSRI’s role as a regional hub for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
The highlight of the evening was the Roundtable Discussion on Maritime Security, moderated by Ms. Indeewari Amuwatte, a leading media personality. The discussion brought together a distinguished panel: Professor P.B. Terney Pradeep Kumara, Director General of the Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resource Management and Professor in Oceanography at the University of Ruhuna; Ms. Eva Abdulla, Chairperson of the Maldives Policy Think Tank, Former Deputy Speaker of the Maldives, and three-term Member of Parliament; and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna (Retd), Member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) of India and former senior naval officer with extensive international and strategic experience.
The panelists provided powerful insights into the evolving dynamics of the Indian Ocean Region. Professor Kumara stressed the environmental dimension of maritime security, warning that “climate change and coastal degradation are not just ecological issues, but profound security challenges that threaten livelihoods, economies, and stability.”
Ms. Abdulla highlighted the political and human security implications, stating: “For small island nations like the Maldives, maritime security is directly tied to survival. It is not only about protecting sea lanes, but about preserving sovereignty, democracy, and resilience in the face of rising seas and shifting geopolitics.”
Rear Admiral Khanna said; “The Indian Ocean is a contested space where great power rivalries, non- state threats, and technological disruptions converge. Regional cooperation, joint training, and trust- building are the only way forward to secure this vital domain.”
Two maritime security research papers were formally handed over to Ms. Priyangani Hewapathirana, Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Defence. Dr. Nirmal De Silva presented both papers: “Commercial Drones and Their Growing Threat to Maritime Security” and “Artificial Intelligence and Maritime Security,” the latter co-authored with Dr. Aparajitha Ariyadasa.
A key moment at the SASSRI inauguration was the handover of the book “China, The Hardening State” by Jayadeva Ranade, President of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy, India.
SASSRI is guided by a distinguished Board of Directors, including experts from diplomacy, defence, business, and academia: Dinuk Hettiarachchi, Ambassador Saroja Sirisena, Hirantha Goonasekara, Dr. Nirmal De Silva, Air Vice Marshal Waruna Gunawardana (Retd), Rear Admiral T. W. W. Leelarathna (Retd), and Air Commodore Mahasen Herath (Retd).
Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/