🤖 SASSRI Hosts Landmark Forum on Drones, AI, and Sri Lankan National Defence

• Strategic Overview: The South Asia Sustainability & Security Research Institute (SASSRI) concluded a high-level panel discussion in Colombo focusing on "Drones, Deterrence, and Defence." The forum addressed how small states like Sri Lanka can navigate geopolitical competition, artificial intelligence (AI), and technological disruption. • Key Focus Areas: Drones & UAVs: Explored the expanding role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in maritime surveillance, border management, intelligence gathering, and protecting critical national infrastructure. Cybersecurity & AI: Highlighted the critical convergence of national security and digital infrastructure protection, emphasizing the need for robust cyber resilience against hybrid warfare. Policy & Governance: Emphasized developing indigenous ICT/technological capabilities and creating updated regulatory and ethical frameworks to balance innovation with security. • Stakeholder Collaboration: The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation Authority, Tri-Forces, Police, and private sector technology leaders. Panelists included experts from CLASS, EGUARDIAN, Rabdan Academy, and veteran Sri Lankan UAV operators, who concluded that safeguarding sovereignty requires a unified, whole-of-government approach and deeper regional cooperation.