The Pathfinder Foundation and the China Center for South Asian Studies (CCSAS), Sichuan University, jointly launched the Colombo Maritime Dialogue (CMD) 2026 Report at a virtual ceremony on 28 September 2026. Representatives of both institutes joined a virtual platform to launch the publication.

The virtual launch began with welcome and opening remarks from Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman of the Pathfinder Foundation, and Prof. Qiu Yonghui, Chief Expert and Vice Director of the China Center for South Asian Studies, Sichuan University. The report was formally launched during the ceremony, followed by concluding remarks from Prof. Rong Ying, Chair Professor at the China Center for South Asian Studies, Sichuan University, and Admiral (Retd.) Prof. Jayanath Colombage, Distinguished Fellow at the Pathfinder Foundation.

The Colombo Maritime Dialogue 2026, held on 13 and 14 May 2026, brought together experts and scholars to exchange perspectives on maritime affairs and to explore opportunities for greater cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) under the theme “Fostering Win-Win Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.”

The Dialogue recognised the Indian Ocean as a vital global maritime space for international trade, energy flows, connectivity and economic development, while also acknowledging the region’s increasingly complex security and environmental challenges. It examined areas of potential cooperation to address shared maritime challenges, including maritime safety, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, maritime crime, disaster response, maritime domain awareness and the sustainable management of marine resources. The report also highlighted the importance of strengthening dialogue and building greater mutual understanding among countries and institutions in the Indian Ocean.

The report captures the key discussions, perspectives and recommendations that emerged from the Dialogue, highlighting areas where continued dialogue, cooperation and engagement could foster greater understanding and shared interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Colombo Maritime Dialogue, jointly organised by the Pathfinder Foundation and the China Centre for South Asian Studies at Sichuan University, reflects both institutions' shared interest in promoting informed dialogue, strengthening mutual understanding, and fostering constructive cooperation on maritime issues important to the Indian Ocean Region. The Colombo Maritime Dialogue is part of the Pathfinder Foundation’s ongoing efforts to promote informed policy dialogue on issues affecting Sri Lanka and the wider Indian Ocean Region. Through its collaboration with Sichuan University, the initiative seeks to encourage exchanges among academics, policymakers and maritime experts, and to identify opportunities for cooperation that support regional stability and sustainable development.

The Pathfinder Foundation held an Ambassadors’ Roundtable on 5 June 2026 at the Colombo Club, Taj Samudra Hotel, titled “Sri Lanka’s Pathway to RCEP and the Emerging Global Trading Order.” The event brought together diplomats, government officials, policy experts, and think tanks to discuss Sri Lanka’s engagement with regional trade frameworks and the implications of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

In collaboration with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) of India, Pathfinder Foundation organized an online workshop on May 29, 2024, focusing on the theme "Sri Lanka – Addressing the Dilemmas of a Strategically Located Island State". The Workshop marked the latest engagement between the Pathfinder Foundation and the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) as MoU partners since 2017.

The Pathfinder Foundation, in collaboration with the High Commission of India in Colombo and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), held a symposium on "Strengthening Pali Language Studies in Sri Lanka" on Friday, 24 July 2026, in Colombo.

Pathfinder Foundation convened its Seventh Diplomatic Dialogue on “Unlocking Sri Lanka’s Mineral Sector – Opportunities for Sustainable Investment and Strategic Partnerships.

The 4th annual Bay of Bengal Dialogue, co-hosted by the Pathfinder Foundation and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) of Switzerland, was held in Colombo from 7th to 8th May at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. The event was attended by prominent personalities, including India Foundation’s President, Dr. Ram Madhav, and BIMSTEC Secretary General Amb. Indra Mani Pandey, alongside heads of diplomatic missions based in Colombo.

Mr. Milinda Moragoda, Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, hosted a luncheon meeting for Dr. S. Paul Kapur, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, on 23 June 2026.

The conference brings together distinguished speakers, policymakers, diplomats, and subject experts to engage in focused discussions on the evolving strategic landscape of the Indian Ocean Region. To register for virtual participation, please complete your registration through the link: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VQAZyRPsTQilFMITnuU65w

The Pathfinder Foundation and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue hosted the "Colombo Roundtable: Climate Change, Public Policy, and Humane Governance" at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, focusing on pressing issues in maritime affairs and climate change within the Bay of Bengal region. The event was graced by Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, who delivered special remarks emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental and maritime challenges in the region.

The Pathfinder Foundation convened its latest Ambassadors' Roundtable featuring Her Excellency Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Sri Lanka and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on Indonesia's long-term national development strategy, Indonesia's Golden Vision 2045.

Pathfinder Foundation successfully hosted its Fourth Dialogue with Diplomats on June 5, on the topic “Policy challenges for a new government”.

The Pathfinder Foundation, in collaboration with the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) of the National University of Singapore, hosted a webinar that focused on Sri Lanka's potential accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).