Bhutanese Minister of Education visits KDU to reaffirm ties to admit Bhutan students to KDU degree programmes

The Minister of Education Hon. Mr Jai Bir Rai of the Royal Government of Bhutan visited KDU on 3^rd February 2023 to renew the MoU initially signed in 2014 to recruit qualified Bhutan students to KDU degree programmes. The MOU was signed in a formal ceremony held at KDU Board Room by the Vice Chancellor, Major General Milinda Peiris RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil (Ind), and the Hon. Mr Jai Bir Rai.

In his remarks, the vice chancellor of KDU recalled the establishment of formal ties with the Royal Government of Bhutan in 2014 following his visit to Bhutan in 2012. He also praised the Bhutanese government for continuously sending students to KDU and trusting the quality of the education provided. He went on to state that he is pleased that KDU was able to produce many qualified doctors for Bhutan and strengthen the health sector of the country, and he requested the minister to consider sending more students to undertake other degree programmes such as paramedical and engineering degree programmes.

The Hon Minister in his response highly commended the quality of the KDU education and the opportunities given to Bhutanese students. He mentioned that KDU has been a very reliable source of education for Bhutanese students and that Bhutan will continue to send its students to KDU. He also commended the strong relations that exist between KDU and Bhutan and expressed his utmost gratitude for KDU’s generous contribution towards the healthcare sector of Bhutan. The minister also shared his suggestion of maintaining strict quality standards in medical education, which will benefit Bhutanese students to become better professionals to serve the people of their country. He thanked KDU for their constant support and proposed to build on the current relationship of KDU and Bhutan.

Following the signing of the MoU Honorable Minister met the Bhutan undergraduate students at the Faculty of Medicine. He had a cordial discussion with them about their studies at KDU and life in Sri Lanka. The Minister applauded the students for their dedication and hard work. He encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity and become role models to their peers back in Bhutan. He also assured them of the support from the government and appreciated the efforts of KDU for its commitment to the cause of nurturing the talented Bhutanese youth.

The Hon. Mr Jai Bir Rai was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Program Officer, SSSD, DAHE Mr Karma Phuntsho. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Defence & Admin), the Dean Faculty of Medicine, the Director International Relations, the Registrar, Adjutant, Deputy Registrar and Foreign Relations Officer from KDU and the officials from the foreign ministry of Sri Lanka were present on the occasion.

The visit was indeed a successful one and it has further strengthened the relationship between KDU and Bhutan. It is hoped that this relationship will continue to grow in the future and successfully produce many qualified professionals for the service of Bhutan.