KDU Holds Its 36th General Convocation at BMICH
October 15, 2025The 36th General Convocation of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) was held yesterday (14 October) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), marking another milestone in the University’s distinguished academic journey.
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), graced the final session as the Chief Guest, while Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) attended the ceremony as a special guest.
The distinguished guests were warmly received by the Chancellor of KDU General Shantha Kottegoda (Retd) and Vice Chancellor Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara on their arrival at the venue.
A total of 1883 graduands from the Faculty of Graduate Studies were conferred with degrees and postgraduate diplomas at this year’s convocation during two-day ceremony (13 and 14 October), symbolizing their academic excellence and dedication to advancing knowledge in diverse disciplines. At the final session of the ceremony 155 graduands received their parchments and the awards for outstanding performances, which were conferrerd by the Deputy Minister of Defence.
Addressing the ceremony, Major General Jayasekara (Retd) commended the graduands for their perseverance and dedication, urging them to use their knowledge responsibly in service of the nation. He emphasized the vital link between education, innovation and national development, stating, “Knowledge is power, but knowledge becomes powerful only when it is used to serve humanity and national progress.”
Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen research and innovation, the Deputy Minister underscored the need to align academic outcomes with national priorities through the upcoming National Research and Development Policy, designed to transform Sri Lanka into a knowledge-driven economy.
He also called upon graduates to contribute to nation-building by serving with integrity, leadership and purpose, reminding them that economic stability is the foundation of national security.
The event was also attended by the Commanders of the Navy and Air Force , members of the diplomatic corps, the Vice Chancellor, former chancellors and vice chancellors, faculty and non-academic staff of KDU.
