Prof. Capt. Nalaka Jayakody brings glory to Sri Lanka

Professor (Dr.) Capt. Nalaka Jayakody at the ceremony with WMU President Dr. Cleopatra Duombia-Henry and IMO Chancellor/Secretary General H.E. Kitack Lim  

Professor (Dr.) Capt. Nalaka Jayakody, a renowned intellect in the academic and marine disciplines both nationally and internationally, was recently acknowledged with the Outstanding Alumnus award by the World Maritime University (WMU) at the 2022 Graduation Ceremony held on in Malmö, Sweden on 31 October.

The decision to award this title comes from its Board of Governors, made up of 30 members from various countries and having a range of expertise, ex officio members who represent the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Government of Sweden, and the City of Malmö.

The ceremony was attended by IMO Chancellor/Secretary General H.E. Kitack Lim, WMU President Dr. Cleopatra Duombia-Henry, Board of Governors, WMU staff, and many special invitees and dignitaries. 

Prof. Jayakody is the first and only recipient of this prestigious recognition from South Asia. In his speech at the President’s dinner, Prof. Jayakody said, “This remarkable acknowledgement certainly marks an important milestone in both my career and life, and to also make my country [Sri Lanka] proud in the midst of the nation’s difficult and challenging times.” To date, Prof. Jayakody is also the first and only Sri Lankan Master Mariner to obtain a Doctorate and become a professor. 

World Maritime University President Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry said, “We are proud to recognise such an eminent graduate, and one who has made such an impact in the field of maritime and education. Professor Jayakody is an example of how, if we work together, we can transform our world and ensure sustainable development for everyone in it.”

Prof. Jayakody graduated with an MSc in Maritime Education and Training (MET) from WMU in 2001, prior to pursuing his Doctorate in Maritime Affairs from Dalian Maritime University in China. During his study at the WMU, Prof. Jayakody was the VP of the Student Council and represented WMU at the Malmo Dragon Boat Race for two consecutive years including being awarded the Sportsman of the Year in 2001.

Some of his key appointments include Advisor – National Task Force, IMO implementation of Ballast Water Convention including being heavily involved in the implementation of STCW 2010, Board Director – Maritime Training Academy Seychelles and Fiji Maritime Academy, Chairman – Nautical Institute (NI-UK) Sri Lanka Branch – Vice President of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation (CILT-UK) Sri Lanka Branch.

Prof. Jayakody was also the Vice President at CINEC, President – Sri Lanka Association of Non-State Higher Education Institutes, Advisor to Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on Higher Education, Advisor to Ministry of Higher Education including World Bank projects. Prof. Jayakody is currently the Vice Chancellor/CEO of Saegis Campus, a leading higher education institution in the country.

He was also awarded the International Leadership Innovation Excellence Award in 2019 by IES India and ‘Award of Academic Excellence’ 2014 by the then President of Sri Lanka. Prior to his stint in academia, Prof. Jayakody is a well experienced seafarer, having sailed with various types of vessels and travelled to over 90 countries working with diverse cultures and people. He received his maritime training from the Australian Maritime College (AMC) including a Master Mariner qualification from RMIT, Australia in 1994.  

Prof. Jayakody is also a speaker at various national and international maritime forums, and have significantly assisted and contributed to Sri Lanka’s maritime and higher education sectors through diverse involvements. He is a Fellow and Life Member of numerous professional bodies including Company of Master Mariners of Sri Lanka.

The World Maritime University (WMU) was founded in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, as its premier centre of excellence for maritime postgraduate education, research, and capacity building. The University offers unique postgraduate educational programmes, undertakes wide-ranging research in maritime and ocean-related studies, and continues maritime capacity building in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

With 5,634 alumni from 171 countries and territories, WMU has created a global network of leaders in the maritime and oceans sectors. WMU alumni hold positions of prominence around the world. They serve as senior maritime officials in ministries, as directors of shipping companies and ports, as heads of maritime academies and naval organisations, and many represent their home countries at the IMO and international forums and organisations.