On the 8th of June 2023, the delegations which are mentioned below from South Korea visited General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) to enhance bilateral ties and study the feasibility of obtaining marine engineering and maritime education from the esteemed institution.
- Mr. Chuljung lee – Managing Director – Korea Ship Owner’s Association
- Mr. Sehoon Kwon – Manager – Korea Ship Owner’s Association
- Mr. Byeonggeunm Chae – Head of education & Strategy Planning Department - Korea Institute of Maritime & Fisheries Technology (KIMFE)
- Professor Chan Kim - Korea Institute of Maritime & Fisheries Technology (KIMFE)
- Mr. Jongik Kim – President – DongilIndustry Co. Ltd/ HRD and Cooperation Programme Management
- Mr. Jongehoi Lee - DongilIndustry Co. Ltd/ HRD and Cooperation Programme Management
Led by prominent officials, the delegation aimed to explore potential collaborations and strengthen educational partnerships in the maritime sector. Vice Chancellor of KDU, emphasizing the university"'"s vision, proposed the establishment of a maritime regional center within KDU, envisioning it as a future maritime hub.
The South Korean delegation, comprising experts and officials from renowned maritime institutions, engaged in comprehensive discussions with the faculty members and department heads of KDU. The primary focus of these discussions was to assess the feasibility of obtaining marine engineering and maritime education from KDU. The delegation closely examined the infrastructure available at KDU, highlighting the potential for collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two nations.
During the visit, the Vice Chancellor of KDU shared an ambitious vision for the university"'"s future. Emphasizing the institution"'"s commitment to excellence in maritime education, he expressed his aspiration for KDU to become a maritime center of excellence. In line with this vision, he proposed the establishment of a maritime regional center within KDU. This center would serve as a hub for maritime education, research, and industry collaboration, further enhancing the university"'"s contribution to the maritime sector.
The visit of the South Korean delegation to KDU serves as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties between South Korea and Sri Lanka. It highlights the mutual interest in fostering educational collaborations and exchanging expertise in the maritime domain. Both nations recognize the importance of investing in maritime education to support their respective maritime industries and develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting industry demands.
The discussions and interactions between the South Korean delegation and KDU officials pave the way for future collaborations and partnerships. The proposed establishment of a maritime regional center within KDU demonstrates the university"'"s commitment to becoming a leading institution in maritime education and research. Such initiatives would not only benefit students and researchers but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the maritime industry in both nations.
The visit of the South Korean delegation to General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University marks a significant step towards enhancing educational collaborations in the maritime sector. The discussions held and proposals made during the visit reflect the commitment of both nations to invest in maritime education and strengthen bilateral ties. KDU"'"s ambitious vision to become a maritime center of excellence and the proposed establishment of a maritime regional center demonstrate the university"'"s dedication to shaping the future of maritime education and research.
