Colombo, Sri Lanka, Aug. 20 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
The 19th International Research Conference (IRC) of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) commenced today (20 August) at KDU, with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya gracing the inaugural session as the Chief Guest.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), also attended the opening session held this morning. The Chancellor of KDU, General SHS Kottegoda (Retd), Vice Chancellor, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, and senior academic and administrative staff of KDU were also present on the occasion.
This year, the conference is being held under the theme "From Crisis to Opportunity: Reimagining Governance, Infrastructure, and Innovation for a Resilient Future." Professor Malik Peiris, Emeritus Professor / Honorary Clinical Professor at the School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, delivered the keynote address.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the conference's theme of building resilience from crises, highlighting that true national progress must be inclusive and support all communities. She noted that academic research is increasingly driven by career promotions rather than curiosity, resulting in short-term projects that neglect meaningful, long-term impact. To rebuild a culture of true inquiry, she stated that universities must uphold academic freedom and foster genuine critical thinking. Furthermore, while technology and AI are now unavoidable parts of daily life, she cautioned that educators must carefully evaluate their impact on knowledge creation to ensure digital tools do not compromise critical thinking, academic integrity, or social equality.
The two-day annual conference serves as an important academic and research platform, bringing together scholars, researchers, academics, and professionals to present their research findings, exchange knowledge, and engage in discussions on contemporary issues of national and international significance.
The 19th International Research Conference encompasses a wide range of research disciplines, including Defence and Strategic Studies, Engineering, Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, Law, Computing, Criminal Justice, Medicine, Allied Sciences, and Gender Equality, among other fields. The conference provides a valuable platform for researchers to disseminate their findings, foster academic collaboration, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Vice Chancellors of various universities, members of the diplomatic corps, Tri-Forces Commanders, senior Tri-Forces and police officers, and senior state officials were also present at the occasion.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
