Deputy Minister of Defence highlights the importance of Defence Education
and Regional Cooperation at ASEAN Regional Forum – HDUCIM
January 23, 2025
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) addressing the 26th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges, and Institutions Meeting (ARF-HDUCIM), emphasized the critical role of defence education in adapting to global transitions and strengthening regional security.
Making the Keynote Address on the inaugural day of the meeting hosted by the prestigious General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, the Deputy Minister outlined some key priorities for the defence sector in the region, reflecting on the evolving security challenges and the need for strategic innovation.
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) was also in attendance. Upon their arrival at the venue this morning, the guests were welcomed by Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, Vice Chancellor of the KDU.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of adapting defence studies to meet emerging challenges including technology, geopolitical dynamics, and security environments. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in tackling common security concerns.
Delving into an important aspect during his captivating speech, Major General Jayasekara (Retd) stressed the need for defence sectors to foster innovation, particularly in dual-use technologies that have both military and civilian applications. He also noted that climate change, extreme weather events, the outbreak of conflicts, water scarcity, and food insecurity, all of which can adversely impact social stability and human health. He also reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to contributing to such meaningful global dialogues on defence education, recognizing its far-reaching implications.
The 26th Asian Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges, and Institutions Meeting (ARF-HDUCIM) officially opened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with a focus on the theme, "Defence Education in an Era of Transition." Being held from January 22 to 25, the event brings together key stakeholders from regional defence education institutions to engage in thematic discussions.
This year’s ARF-HDUCIM co-hosted by the KDU and the Cambodian National Defence University (kingdom Cambodia) is seen as a landmark event in fostering closer cooperation between defence institutions, academics, and policymakers to ensure that defence education and innovation are aligned with the evolving security landscape.
International participation included delegates comprising military and academic leaders, defence experts, and diplomats, reflecting the forum's global reach. Representatives from diverse nations, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka were present.
The opening session was attended by KDU Chancellor General Shantha Kottegoda (Retd), Army and Air Force Commanders, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chief of National Intelligence, members of the diplomatic corps, including Defence Advisors from various embassies and High commissions, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, intellectuals and defence experts and senior tri forces officers.
