Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, has received France's Order of Maritime Merit in recognition of his contributions to maritime development and regional cooperation.
Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, who serves as Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), has been bestowed the Order of Maritime Merit by the French government. The honour was conferred during a formal ceremony at the French Embassy in Colombo on August 31, 2026, recognising his professional achievements and contributions to the maritime sector.
The French Ambassador to Sri Lanka nominated Rear Admiral Kumara for the award, citing his efforts in advancing maritime education, promoting regional cooperation in maritime affairs, and strengthening bilateral maritime relations between Sri Lanka and France. According to the nomination, his work has been instrumental in developing the Regional Centre for Maritime Studies (RCMS) at KDU, which was established as a collaborative initiative between the two nations.
The Order of Maritime Merit, established by France in 1930, is conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to maritime development and professional excellence in the field. The Regional Centre for Maritime Studies, launched in 2024, aims to enhance maritime knowledge and research capacity while facilitating regional collaboration on maritime issues in the Indian Ocean region.