Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles recently underscored the critical importance of protecting sea lines of communication that sustain the nation and uphold the rules-based order, with Sri Lanka playing a vital role, given that half of Australia’s trade passes nearby. Deputy Prime Minister Marles further stressed that Australia’s support for Sri Lanka is rooted in shared opportunities, highlighting ongoing cooperation across defence, maritime security and education sectors.
The Australian politician was responding to a series of questions on Australia’s long-term vision for the Indian Ocean and its future engagement with Sri Lanka. The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute hosted the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles for a ‘Fireside Chat,’ titled ‘Australia and the Indian Ocean,’ on 3 June, 2025, at the LKI Lighthouse Auditorium.
The Australian vision is in line with US-led Western powers’ strategy in the Indian Ocean.
The discussion. organised in collaboration with the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka, brought together a distinguished audience, comprising members of the Board of Management of the LKI, diplomats, senior military officials, representatives from international organisations, key government agencies, and leading experts from diverse fields.
Welcoming the Deputy Prime Minister, Executive Director of LKI Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha noted the LKI’s recent collaborations with Australian entities to discuss Sri Lanka-Australia Relations, Disaster Risk Management, Climate Response, and Maritime Domain Awareness, and saw the visit as a significant step in deepening that engagement.
Dr. Harinda Vidanage, Director of the International Relations Office (IRO) and the Centre for Strategic Assessment (CSA) at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, who moderated the ‘Fireside Chat’, highlighting the historic significance of the visit and its reflection of the region’s growing strategic importance and the role of small island states.
Marles recalled Australia’s financial assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and the importance of expanding collaboration beyond aid, particularly through education, tourism, technology, and innovation, to support sustainable growth and mutual prosperity. He also reflected on iconic cricket moments that symbolise the strong cultural ties between the two nations.
During the question-and-answer session that followed, audience members raised concerns regarding the growing challenge of transnational human smuggling, Australia’s role in maintaining regional security, and the potential for expanding trade ties.