Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, outlined the country’s vision of becoming a key hub in the Indian Ocean during his keynote address at the 26th ARF Heads of Defense Universities, Colleges, and Institutions Meeting (HDUCIM).
Speaking at the event, co-chaired by Sri Lanka and Cambodia at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University (KDU), Minister Herath highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic location and resources as crucial factors in promoting trade, connectivity, economic development, and regional stability.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian law, welcoming the recent ceasefire agreement in Palestine as a step toward sustainable peace. He reiterated Sri Lanka’s support for global efforts to ensure stability through diplomatic dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
Addressing geopolitical challenges, Minister Herath stressed the importance of maintaining neutrality while fostering strategic partnerships within the ASEAN framework. He noted the need for adapting defense strategies to contemporary power rivalries and economic uncertainties.
The HDUCIM gathering brought together defense officials, academics, and experts to enhance cooperation in defense education and strategic studies across the region.
