New think-tank Asian Geopolitics, Sustainability, and Peace Council launched

A new era in regional policy dialogue began with the official launch of The Asian Geopolitics, Sustainability, and Peace Council (AGSPeC) at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo on 20 August – a platform dedicated to fostering strategic understanding of geopolitical issues, advancing peace, and promoting sustainable development across Asia. Leading scholars, diplomats, policymakers, civil society leaders and concerned citizens took part in this event, in addition to a gamut of political leaders, former statesmen, and leaders of political parties.

AGSPeC President Deshamanya Prof. Mohan Munasinghe (who shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize), stated that the Council aims to provide in-depth research, policy recommendations, and practical initiatives to address the complex issues arising from the nexus of geopolitics, sustainability and peace in the 21st century. 

“The goal is to facilitate informed dialogue that bridges political divides and promotes Sri Lanka’s strategic interests in a rapidly changing world,” said Prof Munasinghe. “We believe that constructive engagement between independent institutions, policymakers, a well-informed public, and the international community is essential for a stable and prosperous Sri Lanka.”

Secretary General Sugeeswara Senadhira explained that AGSPeC will research and understand the forces that shape nations’ relations, not as an abstract academic pursuit, but as a practical tool to reduce the impacts of global tensions on Sri Lanka and assured tha the Council will serve as an absolutely neutral, inclusive space—bringing together policymakers, academics, diplomats, business leaders, and civil society. 

In his speech, Guest of Honour, NMSJ Head and former speaker Karu Jyasuriya welcomed the AGSPeC initiative in bringing geopolitics, sustainability, and peace under one roof — where they have always belonged. He stressed the need to re-vitalise the Indian Ocean Peace Zone Concept, and outlined several areas of future action for AGSPeC.

Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, former Foreign Secretary who delivered the keynote address, underlined the most compelling dynamics at present and their multifaceted ramifications causing heavy casualties, mass destruction and displacement, as well as considerable effects on food, fertilizer, and energy security across the world. 

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who was scheduled to address the AGSPeC launch, could not attend due to a sudden pressing engagement. However, he sent his best wishes, stressing the importance of research linking geopolitics, sustainability and peace. Political party leaders across the spectrum, who addressed the gathering, emphasised the importance of evidence-based policy formulation and the role of independent research in shaping national strategies. Political leaders expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged support for the ongoing dialogue between civil society, academia, and political stakeholders.

Those who took part and spoke at this event included senior-most political leaders, former President Maithripala Sirisena, political veterans, V. Anandasangharee, Prof. Tissa Vitharana, D.E.W. Gunasekera, Nizam Kariapper, Douglas Devananda and popular orators Dayasiri Jayasekera, Dilith Jayaweera, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Wimal Weerawansa, Tissa Attanayake, Chanaka Madugoda, Harshana Rajakaruna, Kavinda Jayawardana, Weerasumana Weerasinghe, Eran Wickremaratne, and many others representing the entire political spectrum. 

AGSPeC Vice President Chandrapala Liyanage made an appeal to all the political parties to support the Council and nominate experts to AGSPeC sub committees so that issues could be discussed and try to find consensual approach for viable long-term solutions.

AGSPeC will continue its outreach through roundtable discussions, public seminars, and confidential policy briefings to support consensual national decision-making with global insight and local relevance.