About Us | Chinese National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka

Our Story

History & Background

The Chinese National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka was founded in 2005 by the first cohort of Sri Lankan officers and civil officials to complete advanced strategic studies at China's National Defence University in Beijing. What began as an informal circle of classmates has, over two decades, grown into a formally registered national association spanning the armed forces, public service, academia, and private industry.

Today the Association represents graduates from twenty-one cohorts, coordinating everything from bilateral policy dialogue to scholarship exchanges, while keeping alive the personal bonds of friendship first formed thousands of kilometres from home.

What We Set Out to Do

Our Objectives

Foster Fellowship

Maintain lifelong professional and personal bonds among alumni across all branches of service and sectors.

Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Support defence diplomacy and cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and the People's Republic of China.

Advance Knowledge

Promote continued learning through symposiums, scholarships, and joint research initiatives.

Relationship with China

The Association maintains an active institutional relationship with the National Defence University in Beijing, including annual delegation visits, joint scholarship allocations, and participation in defence studies conferences. This partnership is formalised through a standing Memorandum of Understanding renewed every five years.

Relationship with Sri Lanka

Recognised by the Ministry of Defence as an official alumni body, the Association contributes to national strategic dialogue, supports veteran welfare initiatives, and partners with sister institutions such as the Kotelawala Defence University on joint programming.

How We're Governed

Organisation Structure

General Assembly of Members

Executive Committee (President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer)

Membership Sub-Committee

Events & Symposium Committee

International Relations Cell

Publications & Media Unit

Two Decades of Milestones

Our Timeline

2005

Association Founded

First cohort of graduates establishes the Association in Colombo.

2011

Official Registration

Formally registered as a national alumni body, enabling structured partnerships.

2016

First Joint Scholarship Programme

Launched in partnership with NDU Beijing, funding postgraduate study for serving officers.

2023

Best Diaspora Alumni Body Award

Recognised at the Sri Lanka–China Friendship Awards for two decades of cooperation.

About the Association

History & Background

Our Objectives

Foster Fellowship

Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Advance Knowledge

Relationship with China

Relationship with Sri Lanka

Organisation Structure

Our Timeline

Association Founded

Official Registration

First Joint Scholarship Programme

Best Diaspora Alumni Body Award

21 Cohorts and Growing

Core Values

Discipline

Friendship

Knowledge

Cooperation