Welcome to the Regional Centre for Maritime Studies (RCMS), a beacon of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the heart of the Indian Ocean region. The RCMS was established with a vision: to address the pressing challenges in maritime safety, security, and marine environmental protection through regional cooperation, capacity building, and innovative training programs.

The Indian Ocean is a vital artery for global commerce, home to some of the most strategically significant shipping lanes. However, this critical region also faces diverse threats, ranging from illegal transnational activities such as piracy, human trafficking, and drug smuggling to the growing risks posed by climate change and environmental degradation. As nations sharing these dynamics, it is our shared responsibility to protect and preserve these waters for generations to come.

Sri Lanka, with its rich maritime heritage and strategic location, is honoured to host the RCMS at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). This initiative, brought to life through a bilateral agreement between the Governments of Sri Lanka and France, stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges.

Our mission is to empower both civil and military personnel from Sri Lanka and the broader Indian Ocean Region with the knowledge, skills, and tools required to ensure maritime safety, security and marine environment protection. By harmonizing practices, fostering joint training, and encouraging meaningful exchanges among regional stakeholders, we aim to create a united front against the challenges facing our oceans.

Our team is guided by a robust governance structure, with contributions from esteemed representatives of both Sri Lanka and France. Together, we bring diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure the effective functioning of the Centre. With the support of our Advisory Board and the Board of Directors, we are committed to achieving excellence in maritime studies and training.

As the Director of RCMS, I take immense pride in leading this groundbreaking initiative. Together with our dedicated team and partners, we are working tirelessly to make the Indian Ocean region a model of maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship.

I invite you to join us in this journey—whether as a trainee, collaborator, or partner. Let us work together to shape a safer, more secure, and sustainable maritime future for the region and the world.

Captain (ND) Chamila E. Mendis,
RWP, USP, psn, psc, BSc (DS) MTS, MSc (D&SS), MSc (WS) Maritime
Director – Regional Centre for Maritime Studies