The 26th ARF HDUCIM concluded with a powerful call to transform and advance defence education to meet the pressing challenges of an ever-changing global landscape. Major General Chinthaka Wickramasinghe’s closing remarks were a compelling reminder that adaptation is not just necessary—it is urgent. He underscored the crucial need for continuous innovation in defence training and strategic thinking to tackle the evolving spectrum of threats, from technological disruptions and cyber warfare to the escalating risks posed by climate change and global energy security.
The success of this forum lies in its ability to convene visionary leaders from defence institutions around the world, sparking groundbreaking dialogue that has reshaped the way nations think about security and education. The forum became a catalyst for forging new pathways and strategic alliances designed to proactively address the most pressing global security issues of today and tomorrow.
The unswerving leadership of Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekera (Retd), Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), KDU Vice Chancellor Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, and Lt Gen Mony Var was instrumental in driving this transformation. Their unwavering commitment to regional defence education and the cultivation of international partnerships ensured that the forum’s discussions were not only insightful but also actionable. Their vision has set the stage for revolutionizing defence education and establishing a global network of cooperation that will continue to shape the future of international security for years to come.
