Pathfinder Foundation

The Pathfinder Foundation was pleased to host Mr. Thomas Payne, First Secretary at the British High Commission Colombo, for a productive discussion on bilateral cooperation and future engagement opportunities, with Executive Director Dr. Dayaratna Silva and the PF team.

The overarching goal of the Colombo Maritime Dialogue was to strengthen China–Sri Lanka maritime cooperation within a broader regional framework, balancing security imperatives with development priorities. The dialogue focused on enhancing mutual understanding of maritime challenges, promoting development-oriented collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, fisheries, marine environmental protection, and the blue economy, and integrating security and sustainable economic growth approaches.

It also sought to diversify the discourse by incorporating complementary perspectives and generating tangible outputs such as policy briefs and recommendations to guide future bilateral and regional initiatives. The collaboration between Pathfinder Foundation and Sichuan University, established in 2017 through an MoU, continues to serve as a strong platform for academic cooperation, policy dialogue, and strategic engagement.

The Colombo Maritime Dialogue, jointly organized by the Pathfinder Foundation and the China Centre for South Asian Studies (CCSAS) of Sichuan University, was held on 13th and 14th May 2026 at the Conference Room of the Pathfinder Foundation. The dialogue aimed to provide a structured platform to examine interconnected maritime issues, develop shared perspectives, and identify opportunities for cooperation, contributing to a more inclusive and multipolar discussion on the future of the Indian Ocean.

The inaugural session was graced by His Excellency Qi Zhenghong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka. Opening remarks were delivered by Amb. (Retd.) Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman of Pathfinder Foundation, and Prof. Yan Shijing, Vice Chairman of Sichuan University Council. Rear Admiral S. R. Rupasena, Director General–Training of the Sri Lanka Navy, also attended representing the Ministry of Defence. Keynote speakers included Admiral Prof. (Retd.) Jayanath Colombage and Prof. Huang Yunsong.

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