July 21, Colombo: Sri Lanka Army says that 19 countries have confirmed participation in the defence seminar organized by the Defence Ministry next month.

The 2012 Defence Seminar titled "Towards Lasting Peace and Stability "will be held in Colombo from August 8-12 at the Galadari Hotel.

The Army has invited 63 countries for the seminar and 19 countries have already confirmed their participation.

Military Spokesperson, Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasuriya has said the countries that have confirmed participation include the United States, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, the Maldives, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, the Netherlands, Brunei, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Uganda and India.

The Army held the inaugural Defence Seminar-2011 on the theme 'Defeating Terrorism-Sri Lankan Experience' in May last year with the participation of representatives from more than 41 countries.

The seminar that is being organized for the second consecutive year would be held under the patronage of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.

Over 100 foreign delegates are expected to participate in the event that will present subject experts from foreign countries on post-war 5Rs - Rehabilitation, Re-integration, Re-construction, Resettlement and Reconciliation.