Visit of RCDS Delegation to INSS
May 21, 2025A delegation from the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) of the United Kingdom arrived in Sri Lanka as part of their study tour and visited the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier national security think tank established under and functioning within the Ministry of Defence. The RCDS is a world-renowned institution dedicated to developing strategic thinkers and leaders within the armed forces and civil service who have the potential to reach the highest ranks and operate effectively at the strategic level in cross -government and international environments.
The 20-member delegation was headed by Lord Simon Stevens (Lord Stevens of Birmingham / UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency) and Air Commodore (Retd) Paul O’Neil (Senior Directing Staff, RCDS). Colonel Darren Woods, Defence Attaché at the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, also accompanied the delegation.
The RCDS delegation was warmly received by Colonel Nalin Herath, Overlooking Director General and Acting Director (Research) of INSS, along with the institute’s research staff. Following the welcome, Colonel Herath delivered a brief introduction on the mandate and role of INSS in enhancing national security.
The main purpose of the visit was to participate in a discussion on defence and security under the theme ‘National and Regional Security.’ The discussion primarily focused on the Indo-Pacific regional security outlook and strategic directions for Sri Lanka. Dr. Harinda Vidanage, Director of the International Relations Office and Director of the Centre for Strategic Assessment at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, led the panel as the guest speaker and provided valuable insights. He was joined by Colonel Nalin Herath, Lieutenant Colonel Palith Herath, Commander (H) Bhanu Abegunawardena, and Wing Commander Madushan Gamage as panel members.
The discussion and Q&A session proved to be highly productive, with participants exchanging knowledge, expertise, and experience on regional security challenges and exploring optimal courses of action.
The delegation and INSS jointly emphasized the importance of fostering strong regional cooperation, collaboration, coordination, and communication to enhance regional security at the strategic level. They also expressed a mutual interest in strengthening bilateral academic relations between the two institutions.
Concluding the visit, mementos were exchanged between the delegation and INSS to mark the occasion and reaffirm the significance of continued engagement.
