Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara underscored the critical role of defence education in addressing global transitions and enhancing regional security during his keynote address at the 26th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges, and Institutions Meeting (ARF-HDUCIM). The event, hosted by Sri Lanka’s General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), commenced on Jan 22 at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.

Highlighting the evolving security landscape, Major General Jayasekara emphasized the need for defence studies to adapt to emerging challenges, including technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and climate change. He called for regional cooperation to tackle shared security concerns and stressed the importance of fostering innovation, particularly in dual-use technologies with both military and civilian applications.

The Deputy Minister also addressed the broader implications of climate change, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity on social stability and human health. Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to global defence dialogues, he noted the far-reaching impact of such discussions on regional and international security.

The four-day forum, themed “Defence Education in an Era of Transition,” is co-hosted by KDU and Cambodia’s National Defence University. It brings together military and academic leaders, defence experts, and diplomats from across the globe, including representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, Japan, and Russia, among others.

The opening session was attended by distinguished guests, including Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), KDU Chancellor General Shantha Kottegoda (Retd), senior tri-forces officers, and members of the diplomatic corps. The event aims to strengthen collaboration among defence institutions, ensuring that education and innovation align with the dynamic security landscape.