News
Prof Capt. Jayakody acknowledged with the Outstanding Alumnus award by WMU
Prof Capt. Nalaka Jayakody was recently acknowledged with the Outstanding Alumnus award by the World Maritime University (WMU) at the 2022 Graduation Ceremony held in Malmö, Sweden on Monday (31).The award was conferred by WMU Board of Governors, made up of 30 members from various countries and having a range of expertise, ex officio members who represent the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Government of Sweden, and the City of Malmö.
The ceremony was attended by the Chancellor/Secretary General IMO Kitack Lim, President of WMU Dr Cleopatra Duombia-Henry, Board of Governors, WMU staff, and many special invitees and dignitaries.Prof Jayakody is the first and only recipient of this prestigious recognition from South Asia.
In his speech at the President’s dinner, Prof Jayakody said: ‘This remarkable acknowledgement certainly marks an important milestone in both my career and life, and to also make my country [Sri Lanka] proud in the midst of the nation’s difficult and challenging times.’
To date, Prof Jayakody is also the first and only Lankan Master Mariner to obtain a Doctorate and become a professor.Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President WMU said: ‘We are proud to recognise such an eminent graduate, and one who has made such an impact in the field of maritime and education. Professor Jayakody is an example of how, if we work together, we can transform our world and ensure sustainable development for everyone in it.’
Prof Jayakody graduated with an MSc in Maritime Education and Training (MET) from WMU in 2001, prior to pursuing his Doctorate in Maritime Affairs from Dalian Maritime University in China. During his study at the WMU, Prof Jayakody was the VP of the Student Council and represented WMU at the Malmo Dragon Boat Race for two consecutive years including being awarded the Sportsman of the Year in 2001.
Some of his key appointments include Advisor – National Task Force, IMO implementation of Ballast Water Convention including being heavily involved in the implementation of STCW 2010, Board Director – Maritime Training Academy Seychelles and Fiji Maritime Academy, Chairman – Nautical Institute (NI-UK) Sri Lanka Branch – Vice President of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation (CILT-UK) Sri Lanka Branch.
Prof Jayakody was also the Vice President at CINEC, President – Sri Lanka Association of Non -State Higher Education Institutes, Advisor to Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on Higher Education, Advisor to Ministry of Higher Education including World Bank projects. Prof Jayakody is currently the Vice Chancellor/CEO of Saegis Campus, a leading higher education institution in the country.
He was also awarded the International Leadership Innovation Excellence Award in 2019 by IES India and ‘Award of Academic Excellence’ 2014 by the then President of Sri Lanka. Prior to his stint in academia, Prof Jayakody is a well experienced seafarer, having sailed with various types of vessels and travelled to over 90 countries working with diverse cultures and people. He received his maritime training from the Australian Maritime College (AMC) including a Master Mariner qualification from RMIT, Australia in 1994.
Prof Jayakody is also a speaker at various national and international maritime forums, and have significantly assisted and contributed to Sri Lanka’s maritime and higher education sectors through diverse involvements. He is a Fellow and Life Member of numerous professional bodies including Company of Master Mariners of Sri Lanka.
The World Maritime University (WMU) was founded in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, as its premier centre of excellence for maritime postgraduate education, research, and capacity building. With 5,634 alumni from 171 countries and territories, WMU has created a global network of leaders in the maritime and oceans sectors.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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