Defence Secretary Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) said the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) has made vast strides since its inception to become a university of repute and has continued to foster excellence in education and research.
He was addressing a ceremony organised to open newly built infrastructure facilities at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) on Friday.
Gen. Gunaratne who is also the incumbent Chairperson of the KDU Board of Management praised the services of the Vice Chancellor and members of the academic and administrative staff for uplifting the University standards to reach better heights in local and international rankings.
The chief guest, Gen. Gunaratne was received by the KDU Chancellor Gen. Shantha Kottegoda (Retd) and Vice Chancellor Maj. Gen. Milinda Peiris (Retd) on his arrival at the venue.
Werahera ‘Somadevi’ female accommodation, several buildings at KDU in Ratmalana including the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities and the Headquarters Complex were among the newly added facilities.
The inauguration of the ‘Hall of Fame’ by the Defence Secretary was unique since it has been set up to provide a lasting and visible means of recognition to the KDU Alumni who have contributed immensely to military and public service.
Launching of the Signature seminar and the launching of the book on Sri Lanka’s Post Independence Defence Policy encompassing the essential aspects of land, maritime and air defences were also among the day’s itinerary. During a presentation conducted amid the program, the remarkable transformations achieved by KDU were unfolded to the audience.
Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, Army’s Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. C.D Weerasuriya, IGP C.D. Wickramarathne, senior state and military officers, members of the KDU academic and administrative staffs and invitees were also present.