By Douglas Carroll, Public Affairs Specialist

 WELISARA, Sri Lanka – The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) sent a team of leadership, faculty and staff to actively participate throughout the 12th edition of the Galle Dialogue International Maritime Conference, and were honored to present as the only panel speakers from the United States. Hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy from Sept. 24–25, 2025, in Welisara, the conference convened senior maritime leaders from 36 countries and 14 international organizations to address evolving security challenges, focusing on this year’s theme, “Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean under Changing Dynamics.”

On the first day of the conference, DKI APCSS Director Suzy Vares Lum, Retired Army Major General, participated in a moderated panel on the subject Maritime Governance under Changing Dynamics, in which she identified the thematic problems in Maritime Security and how the United States, INDOPACOM, and DKI APCSS are positioned to address these problems through the work we do with our Sri Lankan partners.

“The Pacific Ocean is twice as large as the Indian Ocean, and they are uniquely different, presenting opportunities to learn from one another with our distinct experiences. Yet, I’d also offer that there are a host of similarities, being from the island-state of Hawaii, surrounded by vast ocean, just like you here in Sri Lanka. We are intrinsically linked because of the ocean, and it’s a beautiful thing,” Director Vares-Lum shared with a packed house of various maritime stakeholders, including regional and extra-regional users of the Indian Ocean, maritime scholars, navy, and coast guard.

The panel discussion spoke to a wide array of maritime security issues ranging from smuggling and narcotics trade, to illegal fishing, piracy and human trafficking by malign actors.

Director Vares-Lum emphasized the determination of the United States to deter aggression and prevail in conflict in the Indo-Pacific, while also exemplifying DKI APCSS’ continued commitment to key regional stakeholders and messaged that America first does not mean America alone.

“We heard about large problems today. They cannot be confronted alone. No navy, no coast guard, no nation can patrol the seas of the Indian Ocean or the Indo-Pacific themselves. Regional cooperation is critical. Together we can create conditions where instability and malign activity are deterred,” she said.

DKI APCSS Dean of Admissions and Business Operation Wade Turvold was part of the team that attended Galle Dialogue 2025, participating in the fourth session, Maritime Sustainability Under Changing Dynamics, and fortunately returned to a country that he has grown quite passionate about throughout his career.

Reflecting upon this beautiful island he said, “Sri Lanka truly is a unique and amazing place. It is home to a vibrant people of 22 million, working very hard consciously pursuing economic development and security for their population. Really a fascinating place strategically located in the Indian Ocean.”

DKI ACPSS engagement in Sri Lanka is especially important in this situation in order to continue beneficial assistance that enables Sri Lanka to better contribute to regional stability and security. Since 1997, 421 Sri Lankan Fellows have passed through the doors of the Center with many reaching the highest ranks across the military, government, and diplomatic corps throughout the world.

The visiting DKI APCSS team hosted a spirited alumni event, held at the private residence of the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell and attended by over 70 alumni, including the Secretary of Defense Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha and Acting Additional Secretary of Defence Mayuri Perera.

Traditional and modern Sri Lankan music rang through the halls as alumni from across the country reunited, and as Director Vares-Lum recognized two of them with Laulima Lanyards for having completed their Fellows Project.

“Many of the alumni personally expressed to me how much they value their relationship with DKI APCSS,” said Dean Turvold.

“Through our suite of courses, the Center can help build resilient capacity and provide Sri Lankans with the education and the network that empower them to go do great things in their country and throughout the region.”