Independent think tank Synergia Foundation has strengthened its commitment to technological diplomacy and regional cooperation by launching the South Asia Sustainability & Security Research Institute (SASSRI) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The institute aims to advance collaborative research, security dialogue, and sustainable development across South and Southeast Asia.
A Step Forward in Techno-Diplomacy
The launch of SASSRI builds on the outcomes of Synergia Foundation’s landmark conference, “India’s Neighbourhood and Techno Diplomacy – Challenges and Opportunities Integration,” held in November 2023 in collaboration with the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB).
Since then, Synergia has expanded its outreach across key Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Myanmar, and Singapore, focusing on regional security, technological collaboration, and sustainable development.
Leadership & Strategic Partnerships
SASSRI will be led by Col. Nalin Herath RSP, a seasoned security expert who has served in multiple leadership roles, including spokesperson for Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence and Director General of the Institute of National Security Studies, Sri Lanka.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key Synergia representatives, including Lt Gen GAV Reddy (Retd.), Chief Strategic Officer of Synergia Foundation, and Vice-Admiral Monty Khanna (Retd.), a former member of India’s National Security Advisory Board.
As part of the launch, an MoU was signed between Synergia Foundation and SASSRI, formalizing cooperation in research, knowledge exchange, and policy advocacy.
Maritime Security in Focus
Following the inauguration, a roundtable discussion was held on “Emerging Maritime Security Challenges and Opportunities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR),” highlighting the need for regional cooperation in safeguarding critical sea routes, countering security threats, and ensuring sustainable maritime development.
Building a Collaborative Future
With the establishment of SASSRI, Synergia Foundation aims to position South Asia as a hub for sustainability, security, and technology-led diplomacy. By fostering dialogue among governments, think tanks, academia, and industry stakeholders, the institute seeks to address pressing regional challenges while promoting stability and growth.
