The Regional Centre for Maritime Studies (RCMS) hosted a conference on ‘France in the Indian Ocean Region: A Maritime Perspective’. The event featured distinguished French military leaders, with Rear Admiral Hugues Laine, the French Joint Forces Commander in the Indian Ocean, delivering the keynote address.

In his keynote speech, Rear Admiral Laine presented a comprehensive overview of ‘France in the Indo-Pacific’, highlighting the strategic interests and operational engagements in the region. His presentation was complemented by Captain Lionel Siegfried, Commander of the Frigate 'Provence,' who detailed the capabilities and strategic importance of the ‘France Carrier Strike Group and its role in the Indo-Pacific’. Lieutenant Commander Kevin Teulade, The legal advisor to the French Joint Forces Commander, discussed ‘State action at sea, drug trafficking operations in the Indian Ocean’, offering insights into France's contribution to maritime security and counter-narcotics efforts in the region. The presentations were followed by an engaging question-and-answer session.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including members of the Sri Lanka military, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, maritime industry representatives, and students from Kotelawala Defence University.

Former Navy Commanders Adm Piyal de Silva and Adm Priyantha Perera, Chargé d’Affaires of France to Sri Lanka Ms. Marie-Noëlle Duris, the Vice Chancellor of the KDU Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, The Director General Operations (SLN) Rear Admiral Buddika Liyanagamage, The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Def & Adm) of KDU Brigadier Pradeep Rathmnayake were graced the audience.