In a remarkable display of collaboration between academia, government officials, and professionals and experts from industry and varied disciplines, The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) played host to a series of international conferences. These events served as a nexus for knowledge exchange, policy discussions, and partnerships aimed at addressing global challenges. The convergence of esteemed government representatives and other dedicated professionals representing varied disciplines underscored the commitment to finding innovative solutions and fostering international cooperation.
The 15th International Research Conference- 2022
The 15th International Research Conference 2022 of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University was successfully held on 29th September 2022 at the Faculty of Graduate Studies auditorium, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana. The conference was held under the theme ‘Economic Revival, National Security, and Sustainability through Advancement of Science, Technology, and Innovation’
The Chief Guest of the event was General (retd) GDH Kamal Gunaratne WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil,who was introduced to the audience by Brigadier Wipula Chandrasiri Deputy Vice Chancellor (Defence & Administration). General Kamal Gunaratne pointed out how the IRC serves as an exemplary platform for academics, researchers and practitioners all around the world to share their findings and expertise, and mutual challenges in their fields, pointing out how it also provides an opportunity for wide interaction and networking with national and international scholars in respective fields.
A Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific Conference
On March 31st, KDU in partnership with the USA Embassy, hosted ‘ A Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific’ conference on regional perspectives on economic, political, and security challenges in the Indo- Pacific. USA Ambassador Julie J. Chung gave opening remarks, and USA State Department Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu delivered the keynote address.
As the only Defence University in Sri Lanka, KDU recognizes forums of this nature crucial to defining the future of bridging the gap between academic research and policy.
Fostering Dialogue
These conferences provided a dynamic platform for dialogue among participants from diverse backgrounds. Attendees ranged from scholars and researchers to government officials, representatives from NGOs, and industry leaders. This diverse mix created a rich tapestry of perspectives, facilitating comprehensive discussions on pressing global issues.
The active involvement of government officials lent significant weight to the conferences, signaling a commitment to translating ideas into actionable policies. Keynote addresses and panel discussions featuring high-ranking officials provided insights into governmental strategies, policies, and initiatives. These interactions allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing nations today and the collaborative efforts required to overcome them.
As the curtains fall on this series of international conferences, the impact is poised to resonate far beyond the university walls. The collaborations forged and ideas exchanged serve as a testament to the potential for positive change when diverse stakeholders unite in pursuit of shared goals. The KDU continues to be a catalyst for international cooperation, providing a beacon of hope for a more interconnected and harmonious world.
