Late Dr. Sara De Silva Memorial Lecture & Opening of NLCC-KDU: Strengthening Sri Lanka-Japan Ties

The Late Dr. Sara De Silva Memorial Lecture and the inauguration of Nippon-Lanka Collaboration Centre (NLCC-KDU) took place on March 3, 2025, at the auditorium on the 4th floor of the Metropolitan Campus, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Colombo. This event marked a historic milestone in the academic and cultural partnership between  KDU and Japan. The event was organized by NLCC-KDU in collaboration with the Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies.

His Excellency Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, graced the occation as the chief guest and the special lecturer,  delivering the memorial lecture on ‘Japan-Sri Lanka Cooperation in Global Security and Prosperity’. The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries including Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe, Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Army, Rear Admiral H.G.U. Dammika Kumara, Vice Chancellor of KDU, as well as senior representatives from JF Oberlin University, the Embassy of Japan, JICA, JETRO, JESTECA, Sasakawa Trust, and the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society.

The memorial lecture paid tribute to Dr. Sara De Silva, a dedicated scholar whose contributions to academia and international collaboration continue to inspire many. A special video presentation highlighted her impactful career, and her parents, Dr. PHP De Silva and Mrs. Junko Silva, were present as honored guests, receiving heartfelt appreciation from attendees.

In his address, Ambassador Isomata underscored Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, emphasizing areas such as maritime security, economic cooperation, and bilateral development. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s growth through initiatives such as Coast Guard training, patrol vessel support, and infrastructure development. Additionally, he stressed Japan’s dedication to UN Security Council reform and ongoing initiatives in education, disaster response, and digital infrastructure—further strengthening the enduring partnership between the two nations.

The establishment of NLCC-KDU at Metropolitan Campus represents a new chapter in academic exchange and research collaboration between Sri Lanka and Japan. Professor Hajime Tozaki of JF Oberlin University, a key figure in the KDU-Japan partnership, attended the event alongside Mr. Fumitake Nakamura, Director of International Affairs, JF Oberlin University. The Centre was inaugurated in record time, featuring notable contributions, including a set of Hinamatsuri dolls—a gift from the parents of the late Dr. Sara De Silva—symbolizing the deep cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Japan.

Dr. Hemantha Premarathne, Director of NLCC-KDU, expressed gratitude to all contributors, including Dr. Sanath De Silva and the Vice Chancellor of KDU, for their vision in merging the memorial lecture with the NLCC inauguration. He also highlighted the NLCC’s potential to facilitate student exchanges, joint research projects, and capacity-building programs, strengthening the Sri Lanka-Japan academic partnership.

With the launch of NLCC-KDU, this initiative is set to enhance cross-border collaboration, providing a platform for academic excellence and fostering long-term cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan.