Colombo: The 26th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities/Colleges/Institutions Meeting (ARF HDUCIM) officially commenced on 23rd January at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka. This event marked the beginning of a dedicated journey to exchange information on the academic orientations of respective defence educational institutions. Hosted by General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), the meeting was attended by presidents, commandants, and directors from participating countries, leading delegations from their respective Defence Universities, Colleges, and Institutions. The Forum featured three main sessions and several bilateral meetings aimed at fostering collaboration and mutual learning among global defence education institutions.
According to the Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, this year’s meeting was themed “Defence Education in an Era of Transition,” reflecting the challenges and opportunities faced by defence education systems in a complex global security environment. Subth
emes such as ‘Influence of Critical Technologies on Defence Leadership,’ ‘Responding to Climate Change and Systemic Risks,’ and ‘Achieving Energy Security through an Integrated Response to Energy Transitions’ allowed participants to share experiences on security education and research, enhancing mutual understanding and resolutions.
The inaugural event on Day 1 was graced by Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekera (Retd), who served as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he highlighted the importance of participating in this mechanism under the ASEAN Political Security Council, emphasizing the significance of Defence Education and Regional Cooperation. The event was also attended by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), KDU Chancellor General Shantha Kottegoda (Retd), and other distinguished guests.
The meeting was chaired by KDU Vice Chancellor Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, with Co-Chairman Lieutenant General Mony Var, Vice Rector of the Cambodian National De
fence University. The first session explored insights under the theme of Critical Technologies’ influence on Defence Leadership.
Day 2 of the Forum saw the presence of Hon. Minister Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism. The agenda included discussions on systemic risks, global challenges, and energy transitions, emphasizing sustainable and secure energy strategies.
Throughout the two days, bilateral meetings were held to foster deeper ties and strategic partnerships between defence education institutions. These exchanges aimed to enhance collective abilities to address emerging security challenges. Participating countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Lao PDR, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, actively engaged in discussions, reflecting a commitment to achieve impactful results.
The conference concluded with a formal ceremony, where the KDU Vice Chancell
or handed over the Chairmanship to Lieutenant General Mony Var, who shared his vision for the next meeting, emphasizing continuity in regional cooperation and strengthening defence education frameworks. A vote of thanks by Deputy Vice-Chancellor of KDU, Major General Chinthaka Wickramasinghe, expressed gratitude to all involved.
The 26th ARF HDUCIM reaffirmed its commitment to fostering regional partnerships amid complex security dynamics, serving as a platform for promoting mutual understanding and peaceful conflict resolution, contributing to global peace and stability. These discussions aim to adapt defence education to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.