The Delegation of Fudan University of China to Collaborate with the Department of Strategic Studies

On the 30^th of May 2023, the delegation of Fudan University visited the Department of Strategic Studies (DSS) of the Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies to build cooperation in the field of security and strategic studies. The meeting was chaired by Brigadier DCA Wickramasinghe USP USACGSC, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Defence and Administration) of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

Professor Zhang Jiadong, Director of the Center for OBOR Studies, Deputy Director of the Center for South Asian Studies, and Senior Researcher of the Center for American Studies, attended as head of the delegation and shared Fudan University’s interest in collaborating with KDU. During the meeting, both parties discussed important strategic issues in contemporary development. The delegation actively engages in some of the challenges faced by Sri Lanka after its economic upheaval. He also commended the ongoing reform process and reiterated the potential that Sri Lanka has to recover its economy in the near future.

Delegations encourage both academia and students from KDU to look for higher educational opportunities provided by Fudan University. The visit of the delegation to the Department of Strategic Studies proved to be a significant platform for fruitful exchanges of ideas, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of mutual understanding. Throughout the meetings, both sides recognized the importance of strengthening their partnership to address common interests in the field. As a result, plans were laid out to enhance their collaboration in relevant areas.

Department of Strategic Studies emphasizes the importance of having a China perspective in international events hosted by KDU. Both visits marked the strengthening of academic ties between the two entities and paved the way for future cooperation and engagement in areas where both can benefit. The delegation highly recommended the achievements of KDU and its contribution to the national development discourse.

Prof. Lin Minwang, Prof. WEI Zongyou, Ph.D., Prof. XIE Chao, and Prof. ZHANG Jiegen represented the Fudan University delegation. Col RKARP Rathnayake RSP USP psc, the dean of FDSS, Dr. HR Vidanage, HOD-DSS, Col LR Amarasekara, Research Coordinator, and the lecturers from DSS presented at the event.

At the end of both conferences, mementoes were exchanged, and delegations visited KDU Museum. A cocktail and dinner were arranged for the delegation from CICIR at the Club House, while Lunch was arranged for the Delegation from Fudan University at Officer’s Mess. Vice Chancellor of KDU, Major General MP Peiris RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil also participated at the lunch and dinner.