The 12th International Research Conference organised by the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) is scheduled to be held on September 11,12 at the KDU Ratmalana under the theme ‘Challenges to Humankind in the face of New Technologies’.
The conference entertains research papers from both local and international presenters and a special panel has been appointed to review these research papers and categorise them into either poster presentation or oral presentation.
Addressing a media briefing at the Defence Ministry Media Centre in Colombo, the Vice Chancellor of the KDU Air Vice Marshal H.M.S.K.B. Kotadeniya said this annual research conference is a platform where local and international researchers could share their knowledge, research and academic contribution.
“This year we have deliberated on specific subject areas and we have kept them open when selecting the theme. We will provide the opportunity for around 200 academics to present their research and findings. The KDU is the only defence university in this region and is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.”
He added that the KDU officer cadets, day scholars and foreign students offering diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses under nine faculties.
Elaborating further on the research conference, the Deputy Vice Chancellor–Defence and Administration Brig. N. Hathurusinghe said this theme was chosen as it is most significant in today’s context.
He noted that they expect around 500 participants to attend the research conference and around 200 research papers to be presented.
“The best presenter would be adjudged by a scholarly panel and the winner would be amply rewarded.”
Explaining the process of selecting the research submissions, the Chairperson of the conference Mrs. Padmaja Wijesooriya said all research submissions will be sent to a portal and reviewed by two eminent scholars who will determine if these research papers should be under the poster presentation category or oral presentation category.
“The conference will be held under nine sessions based on the nine faculties. Foreign experts specialising on each of these areas would be invited to share their knowledge and expertise at the sessions.”
However, due to the Easter Sunday terror attacks this year, the number of submissions for the conference had been low as most of the universities had been closed until last week. Therefore, the organisers of this research conference intend to extend the deadline to June 15. So far, around 150 research papers have been received but, in order to hold this research conference at least 250 research papers are required.
When asked by the media why the findings presented and discussed at such defence conferences are not made use of by the country, Air Vice Marshal Kotadeniya said whether or not the research findings are made use of or implemented lies entirely with the decision makers of the country.
Responding to media queries on whether modern technology was responsible for terror activities in the present day, the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Prof. Jayantha Ariyaratne said just because technology is advanced it is not to blame for the recent terror attacks as it is the mindset of the individuals that is responsible.
“There is only a small percentage of persons with such terror mindsets, but the outcome is devastating. Just because technology is used by those with terror intent it does not mean that advanced technology promotes such destruction. It has a vast area of advantage that can be used for the betterment and advantage of the people,” Prof. Ariyaratne said.