The 3rd Asia-Europe Political Forum in Colombo, 2019

Photographer Ravindra Weerasinghe Captures the 3rd Asia-Europe Political Forum & ICAPP 2019 in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka — April 7, 2019
The 3rd Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF) alongside the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) was held from April 5 to 7, 2019, at Colombo, Sri Lanka. This important event brought together around 90 delegates representing political parties from Asia and Europe, aiming to promote cooperation, mutual understanding, and regional peace.

The conference was organized by the Ministry of Primary Industries and Social Empowerment in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Minister Daya Gamage serving as the co-chairman of the conference. Sri Lanka’s active participation in ICAPP, established in 2000, highlights the country’s commitment to fostering stronger ties between Asian and European political entities.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Vision: Sri Lanka as the Hub of the Indian Ocean

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the forum with a clear vision for Sri Lanka’s future:

“Sri Lanka will be a developed country only if it becomes the hub of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka has a very friendly relationship with other countries in the region. India has been our historical partner, which in fact, extends up to Pakistan and Bangladesh. We have an excellent relationship with Japan since the San Francisco Peace Conference, and we are one of the first countries which recognized the People’s Republic of China. The best example of this friendliness would be our expressway. China, Japan, India and ourselves all together have constructed the expressway in the country.”

“We are maintaining these relationships, else Sri Lanka cannot be the hub of the Indian Ocean.”

“The Mediterranean sea and the Indian Ocean are the oldest trade routes in the world. A bulk of world transport goes through the Indian Ocean. We are now putting together this system back which was broken by the Western colonial powers.”

“Japan and India currently working together on the Asia-Africa growth corridor and India itself are focusing towards the region with their, look West, act East and neighbourhood first policy.”

“Many people consider that the Hambantota port is a Chinese military base. I accept that there will be an army camp. But it is a Sri Lanka navy camp. Once installed, a Sri Lankan Rear Admiral will be in control. Any ship from any country can come there. But we control the operations.”

“Sri Lanka can develop only if it becomes the hub of the Indian Ocean and in another twenty years Sri Lanka will become the hub in the Asian market.”

Minister Daya Gamage’s Role and Forum Highlights

Hon. Daya Gamage, Minister of Primary Industries, served as the co-chairman and actively contributed to discussions emphasizing Sri Lanka’s industrial growth and regional cooperation. The forum served as an important platform for dialogue between Asian and European political parties to address economic development, social empowerment, and sustainable peace.

The forum highlighted the significance of multi-regional partnerships and Sri Lanka’s strategic position in advancing political and economic collaboration between Asia and Europe.

Photographic Coverage by Ravindra Weerasinghe

As the official photographer commissioned by the Ministry of Primary Industries, I had the privilege of documenting this historic event. My photographic work captures:

• Key moments from the forum sessions including speeches by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister Daya Gamage

• Delegates’ interactions symbolizing political cooperation and friendship

• Cultural programs reflecting the rich heritage of the participating countries

• Behind-the-scenes glimpses of the event's organization and management

These images serve not only as a visual record but also as a celebration of Sri Lanka’s role as a hub for international dialogue and collaboration.