LKI hosts roundtable on Asian arms race, geopolitics and possible implications for Sri Lanka

The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) hosted a Foreign Policy Roundtable titled ‘The Asian Arms Race, Geopolitics and Possible Implications for Sri Lanka’ on 11 March. 

This roundtable supported by The Asia Foundation featured Sri Lanka Navyformer Commander Admiral (Retd.) Travis Sinniah,Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS)Director Dr. Harinda Vidanage, and LKI Research Associate Malinda Meegoda.

Between 2007 and 2017, Asia’s share of global military expenditure rose from 17% to 25%, as the region’s major powers amassed increasingly sophisticated arsenals of both nuclear and conventional weapons. Admiral Sinniah pointed out the worrying trend of nuclear weapons states retreating from arms control and non-proliferation treaties, and the consequent effects such actions could have on the global normative nuclear order.

Dr. Harinda Vidanage argued that regional militarisation could lead to several negative political outcomes including the deferment of diplomacy, and the ability for smaller states like Sri Lanka to maintain its policies of neutrality and non-alignment. 

Adding to the discussion, Malinda Meegoda also called for optimising defence budgets with long-term strategic plans, and integrating research institutes, think tanks and education systems into the local capabilities.

The discussion was moderated by LKI Executive Director Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja. Participants include Ministry of Foreign AffairsSecretary Ravinatha Aryasinha, government officials, military officials, private sector representatives, and diplomats.

LKI is a think tank that analyses Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability. The institute reflects the vision of the lateLakshman Kadirgamar by promoting the country’s intellectual profile in foreign policy research and engagement. 

Read the key takeaways from the roundtable at www.lki.lk/type/takeaways/.