<span style="color: #222222;">Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has called for need of dialogue between Indian Ocean littoral states and major maritime users of the Indian Ocean to develop a common understanding on various maritime issues. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Making a statement on international conference on the future of the Indian Ocean to be held in Colombo next week, Mr. Wickremsinghe said Sri Lanka hopes to ensure the stability of the rules-based order and build the foundation for a prosperous regional economy. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Noting that the Indian Ocean region is set to define the destiny of planet in the 21st century, he underlined that these economic opportunities created through maritime activities must be maximised while minimising the risks of great power competition in the Indian Ocean. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The "Indian Ocean: Defining Our Future " conference beginning Thursday will explore the region's challenges and opportunities in a two-day symposium featuring international dignitaries and experts from the littoral states and beyond. </span><br />