The Department of Social Sciences of the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities (FMSH) at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) ceremoniously inaugurated the Hindi Language Teaching Program on 2nd July 2025, in collaboration with the High Commission of India to Sri Lanka. The event, held at the FGS Auditorium at KDU, marked a significant milestone in strengthening cultural and educational ties between Sri Lanka and India.

The event commenced with a warm welcome to His Excellency Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and Prof. Ankuran Dutta, Director, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC). The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Lakshika Liyanage, Dean of FMSH, who reflected on the importance of introducing foreign languages to expand students’ cultural and intellectual horizons. She emphasized the department’s commitment to promoting regional dialogue through education.

The program was enriched with cultural performances by KDU students, including a traditional Kandyan Dance commemorating Sri Lanka’s profound cultural legacy, a musical interlude which was seamlessly transitioning between Sinhala and Hindi while showcasing the beautiful harmony of both languages and musical traditions, and an elegant Bharatanatyam dance.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of KDU emphasized the importance of foreign language education – particularly Hindi – in promoting deeper appreciation of different cultures, fostering international understanding, and enhancing professional opportunities. He expressed gratitude to the High Commission of India for its support and commended the academic leadership of the department and faculty for their initiative in launching the program.

Delivering the Keynote Address, His Excellency Santosh Jha commended the collaborative efforts between the two institutions and reiterated India’s dedication to strengthening educational and cultural exchanges with Sri Lanka. In his keynote address, High Commissioner Jha emphasized the strategic importance of Hindi as India continues its ascent on the global economic stage. “India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy. Doing business with India increasingly means engaging with Hindi, the third most spoken language in the world,” he said. His remarks inspired the audience to see language learning as a bridge to deeper mutual understanding and regional cooperation.

The event featured the milestone of the generous donation of one hundred Hindi language books to the KDU Library by the High Commission of India, symbolizing the tangible beginning of the new program. As part of India’s ongoing commitment to educational and cultural exchange, the High Commissioner announced the donation of Hindi books to the KDU library, further reinforcing India’s support for language learning in Sri Lanka. “This is not just about language. It’s about building bridges — economic, cultural, and human,” as His Excellency mentioned in his address. These resources will serve as vital academic tools for students enrolled in the course.

The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Tamara Jayasundera, Head of the Department of Social Sciences, who acknowledged the unwavering support from all stakeholders and highlighted the potential of this initiative to foster long term academic and cultural collaboration.

This inaugural ceremony not only celebrated the introduction of the Hindi language into the KDU curriculum but also stood as a testament to the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and India. The university extends its heartfelt appreciation to the High Commission of India, SVCC Colombo, and the Department of Social Sciences of FMSH for their dedication in bringing this initiative to life.

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” – Frank Smith

With this meaningful step forward, KDU reaffirms its mission to produce culturally competent, globally minded graduates who are ready to lead in a multilingual and multicultural world.