Inauguration of the Regional Centre for Maritime Studies (RCMS) at KDU

The Regional Centre for Maritime Studies (RCMS) was formally inaugurated on 11 December 2024 at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. The Government of the French Republic partnered with Sri Lanka to establish this centre at KDU, which will provide comprehensive training and capacity-building for civil and military personnel, fostering partnerships and supporting regional efforts in maritime safety and security and marine environmental protection.

Ms. Anne-Marie Descôtes, the Secretary General of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Adding further prestige to the event, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, and Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.

Acting Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives H.E. Marie-Noëlle Duris, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Vice-Chancellor of KDU Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara and Director RCMS Captain (ND) Chamila E. Mendis were also present at the inauguration.

The Defence Secretary also chaired a special meeting with the Secretary General of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Commander of the Navy and the Vice-Chancellor of KDU, prior to this inauguration ceremony.