Speaker:Dr. Chulanee AttanayakeResearch Fellow, Institute of South Asian StudiesNational University of Singapore Moderator:Dr. Jeffrey OrdanielAssociate Professor of International Security StudiesTokyo International University(Click HERE for Dr. Ordaniel’s profile.) Description:As the Indo-Pacific geopolitics evolves with the emergence of new great power competition, small Island States have become important stakeholders in international politics. They are seen as objects that can be shaped and used in various ways to enhance major players’ strategic positions – in terms of defense, military operations, and offshore presence. On Sri Lanka’s part, maritime diplomacy and aspirations are beginning to take a more assertive characteristic after…