The 25^th ASEAN Regional Forum – Heads of Defence Universities/Colleges/ Institutions Meeting (ARF-HDUCIM) was held in Kualal Lumpur Malaysia from 31 July – 3 August and hosted by the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM), whilst Sri Lanka was Co Host and represented through the KDU. This was a historic moment as it was the first time for Sri Lanka/KDU to co-host the event and leading to be the host of the HDUCIM meeting in 2024.

The ARF is a track one interaction and was held this year under the overall theme of ‘Defence Education Diplomacy for Sustainable Peace & Security, The KDU Delegation was led by Brigadier DCA Wickramasinghe USP USACGSC – the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Def & Admin) and Dr Harinda Vidanage, Director International Relations & Director Centre for Strategic Assessment participated as KDU ARF coordinator and presenter. Delegates from 22 Countries representing ASEAN, ASEAN Observer nations took part in the event with special participation from Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The KDU presentation was made by Dr Harinda Vidanage on the topic of Harmonious Blend of Civil Military Education and its Contribution to peace, stability and resilience: A KDU Experience. The presentation depicted how KDU has evolve as a transformative institution led by its Vice Chancellor Major General Milinda Peiris RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil who envisioned building a visionary civil military relationship that contributes to long lasting peace and provides a role model of a university that is well suited to address challenges of a post conflict society.

Several rounds of bi lateral meetings were held between the KDU delegation and the representatives from India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan and Cambodia leading to furthering of ties and opening opportunities for future collaborations.

Brig Wickramasinghe chaired the Third session and made the ceremonial address of taking over the responsibility of the Host for 26^th ARF to be held in Sri Lanka. In his address he highlighted the achievements of the KDU and Sri Lanka’s commitment to uphold the values that the Asean Regional Forum entails. The KDU made history with attending the 25^th ASEAN Regional Forum HDUCIM as co-hosts and is bound to make history when this forum after twenty-six years since its inception will be held in Sri Lanka under the leadership of the KDU and the co-host Kingdom of Cambodia.