Seminar on “THE WAR IN THE GULF REGION: its implications and the way forward for Sri Lanka”

The seminar was organized by the OPA National Issues Committee in collaboration with the OPA Seminars, Workshops and Programmes Committee. It was a timely and critical professional seminar focused on the ongoing war in the Gulf Region.

The event, titled THE WAR IN THE GULF REGION: its implications and the way forward for Sri Lanka, was designed to move beyond a general overview of the conflict and instead delve into its specific consequences for Sri Lanka. The seminar aimed to provide a high-level analysis for professionals, policymakers, and academics, connecting this major global event directly to national interests and future strategy.

To facilitate a comprehensive discussion, the seminar featured a distinguished panel of speakers with complementary expertise. The first speaker was Y. N. Jayaratne, a Rear Admiral (Retired) and former Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lankan Navy. Drawing on his extensive military and naval background, he provided expert analysis on the strategic, maritime, and geopolitical dimensions of the Gulf War, including its impact on security and the shipping lanes that are vital to Sri Lanka.

He was joined by Dhananath Fernando, CEO of the Advocata Institute, a leading independent policy think tank. Mr. Fernando focused on the economic and policy implications for the nation, discussing key issues such as the effects on trade, fluctuations in fuel prices, and the necessary adjustments to Sri Lanka’s foreign policy.

The seminar took place on the evening of March 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM, and was held at the OPA Auditorium. The session was moderated by Mr. Bhanu Wijayaratne, who guided the conversation between the speakers and the audience.

This forum sought to equip Sri Lanka's professional community with the insights needed to understand and navigate the complex challenges and opportunities arising from the conflict in the Gulf.