Sri Lanka could potentially wield 'soft power' due its strategically important location said Foreign Secretary Esala Weerakon at the conclusion of the two-day Colombo 'Defence Seminar' organised by the Sri Lankan army.
"Sri Lanka today is a good fit for internal and external expression of soft power reality. It welcomes peaceful engagement, remains open to friendship and persuasions. It does this all, while consolidating democracy; rule of law; reconciliation; upholding, promoting and protecting human rights; strengthening good governance; and rules based systems. We are in fact enhancing the soft power of our State," he said in his closing remarks.
The Defence Seminar first began in 2011 and in its 6th year was attended by nearly 800 representatives from over 71 countries. The event was also attended by the Chief of Defence Staff and numerous high-ranking Sri Lankan military officials.
There was no discussion of war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan armed forces or accountability during the seminar.