The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is set to host the seventh edition of the prestigious Colombo Air Symposium 2025 on February 10-11 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. This international forum will bring together a distinguished gathering of intellectuals, diplomats, military leaders, policymakers, and technological experts to discuss the evolving role of air and space power in global security.
This year’s symposium, themed "Transforming Air and Space Power for a Resilient Tomorrow: Prospects for Air Forces of the Indian Ocean Rim," will provide a platform for exploring the strategic and technological advancements shaping the future of air forces in the region. The event will be chaired by Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The Chief Guest for the occasion will be Major General (Retd) K.P. Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Defence, while the keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Brian W. Cole, Ph.D., from the Eisenhower School, National Defence University, Washington, D.C.
Delegates from the Air Forces of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member countries, along with high-ranking officials from Sri Lanka’s Tri-Forces, will participate in the symposium. Distinguished foreign research authors will also contribute their insights into critical areas of air and space power.
The discussions will focus on five key sub-themes:
- Strategic Regional Security Dynamics
- Air and Space Power in Technological Advancement
- Exploring the Frontier
- Partnerships for Collective Strength
- Air and Space Power for Blue Economy Advancement
This year’s symposium aims to strengthen regional cooperation, foster strategic partnerships, and enhance the collective security of the Indian Ocean Region. It will address vital topics such as policy development, technological innovation, and military strategy, working towards shaping a resilient, future-ready air power framework for the region and beyond.
