The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera attended the 21st International Seapower Symposium (ISS-21) on an invitation extended by the Chief of Naval Operations of the US Navy, Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert.
The biennial symposium was held at the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, from 16th to 19th September 2014 under the theme, “Global Solutions to Common Maritime Challenges”. The theme was explored by three panels on "Future Trends in Maritime Security", "Maritime Implications of Climate Change" and "Enhancing Coalition Operations". They provided an excellent forum for leaders of the world's maritime forces to hold discussions on finding solutions to areas of common interest including increasing capacity to ensure maritime security in territorial waters. The International Naval Community was well represented at the event with the participation of 72 Navy Commanders, thus paving the way for advancing maritime cooperation at regional and global levels.During the symposium, the Commander of the Navy was able to meet a number of naval chiefs from the region as well as across the globe and hold cordial discussions, sharing perspectives on common interests and enhancing international relations.