The aim of this conference was to discuss the South Asian policing methods and to make reforms in the police service while identifying the common issues in the region and understanding the diversity among them.

On invitation of the National Police Commission, Dr Ananda Mallawatantri spoke on the topic:  Non- traditional Security: Environment, Trafficking and Border Futures. 

      Photo: Regional Centre for Strategic Studies

The topics covered included the magnitude, local experience on environment policing and capacity gaps to be addressed in terms of education and awareness, training enforcement staff on the value of  their contribution towards local and global sustainability and resilience, related International Conventions on environment policing, global issues related to cross border illegal trading and how and why the Governments, private sector, non-government agencies and communities should come together to address critical issues related to unsustainable use and trade of natural resources. 

Further, Dr Mallawatantri proposed three key focus areas to be considered; Criminal intelligence exchange and analysis to identify criminal networks, their reach and their modus operandi, Regionally targeted operations conducted in importing and exporting countries (illegal transport of hazardous waste) and Training and capacity building to enhance understanding of international conventions and strengthen the response of law enforcement agencies — working together with scientists. 

The conference which was held from 4-6 October was organized jointly by the National Police Commission, Regional Centre for Strategic  Studies and the Sri Lanka Police in collaboration with the United Nations, coinciding with the 150^th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police.