Pathfinder Foundation and the China Center for South Asian Studies at Sichuan University Launch the Colombo Maritime Dialogue 2026 Report

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.