Sri Lanka must position itself as a key economic and strategic link connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Africa as the world enters the "Indian Ocean Century," Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Namal Rajapaksa said.

Speaking at the Global Economic Cooperation East Summit in Singapore, the legislator stated that the Indian Ocean region enters not just a decade of increased importance, but an entire century shaped by its expanding economic and strategic influence.

The parliamentarian participated in a panel discussion alongside Curtis S. Chin, Chair of Senior Fellows at the Milken Institute and former United States Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank. During the session, the MP outlined a vision for the island nation to serve as a trusted bridge between major regions through enhanced connectivity and economic cooperation.

He emphasised the necessity of generating expanded opportunities for youth via innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, while simultaneously preparing the next generation to spearhead roles in the global economy.

The Indian Ocean connected civilisations for centuries, and it must now connect the future, the lawmaker added.