Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has stated that Sri Lanka must position itself as a trusted bridge connecting Asia, the Middle East and Africa as the world enters the "decade of the Indian Ocean."
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) following his participation at the Global Economic Cooperation (GEC) East Summit in Singapore, Rajapaksa said that it was a pleasure to share the panel with Curtis S. Chin, Chair, Senior Fellows at the Milken Institute and former U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank.
Outlining his vision for the Indian Ocean Century, Rajapaksa stated, "We are not entering the decade of the Indian Ocean. We are entering the century of the Indian Ocean."
He further stressed that "Sri Lanka must become the trusted bridge connecting Asia, the Middle East and Africa," while emphasising the need to prepare the country's youth for the jobs of the future and empower the next generation to lead through innovation, collaboration and initiative.
"The Indian Ocean has connected civilizations for centuries. Now, it must connect the future," he added.
