Namal calls for “Indian Ocean Century” at GEC East Summit

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has urged regional leaders to embrace the “Indian Ocean Century,” positioning Sri Lanka as a trusted bridge linking Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Speaking at the Global Economic Cooperation (GEC) East Summit in Singapore, Rajapaksa joined a panel alongside Curtis S. Chin, Chair of Senior Fellows at the Milken Institute and former U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank. The session was convened under the Future Economic Cooperation Council (FECC) Satellite Convening. Rajapaksa emphasized that the Indian Ocean’s role in connecting civilizations for centuries must now evolve to connect the future. “We are not entering the decade of the Indian Ocean. We are entering the century of the Indian Ocean,” he declared, underscoring Sri Lanka’s strategic location and its potential to serve as a hub for global cooperation. Highlighting the importance of preparing youth for tomorrow’s jobs, Rajapaksa called for empowering the next generation through innovation, collaboration, and initiative. He stressed that Sri Lanka’s future lies in equipping young people with skills for emerging industries rather than traditional roles. The GEC East Summit brought together policymakers, economists, and thought leaders to explore pathways for global economic cooperation. (Newswire)