35TH GENERAL CONVOCATION OF SIR JOHN KOTELAWALA DEFENCE UNIVERSITY CONCLUDES AT BMICH
11:50pm on Tuesday 15th October 2024
The 35th General Convocation of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University concluded today (15 October 2024) at the BMICH, with the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attending as the Chief Guest. During his address the Defence Secretary reflected on the nation's experiences with both conflict and the healing power of peace. He urged the graduates to carry forward the lessons of the country’s past as they embark on the next phase of their journey. He reminded them to never forget the value of peace, stability, and cooperation in shaping the future. This year's convocation, parchments were awarded PhD, Master’s Degree and Postgraduate Diploma holders from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, as well as Bachelor’s Degree holders from various faculties of the University.
In recognition of outstanding achievements, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence presented special awards to Lieutenant MVC Sakya as the Best Army Officer, Lieutenant IS Kudaligama as the Best Naval Officer and Flying Officer WDRS Wickramarachchi as the Best Air Force Officer. The prestigious Sword of Honour for the Best All-Round Performance from Intake 37 was awarded to Lieutenant DMSP Jayalath.
The graduation session, held on 14 October 2024, was honoured by the presence of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, as the Chief Guest. During the event, the Commander awarded parchments and special accolades to the graduates in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Additionally, the Commander delivered an inspiring address during the ceremony. He emphasized the importance of overcoming challenges and obstacles, urging the graduates to become the leaders, practitioners and influencers who will guide the nation toward achieving its fullest potential. He encouraged them to cultivate creativity, innovation and selflessness in their future careers and to be passionate about contributing to the holistic development of society.
The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University was established in 1981 to address the educational needs of officers from the Tri-Services. In 2009, it was elevated to a fully-fledged university, extending its academic offerings to civilian students. Currently, the university provides doctoral, postgraduate, and postgraduate diploma courses to members of the armed forces, as well as local and international students.
Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Secretaries of other ministries, Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, General SHS Kottegoda, Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage , Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Vice Chancellor, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, members of the Air Force Board of Management, Inspector General of Police, Director-General of the Civil Defence Force and other Heads of the Security Sector, were among the distinguished gathering.
In recognition of outstanding achievements, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence presented special awards to Lieutenant MVC Sakya as the Best Army Officer, Lieutenant IS Kudaligama as the Best Naval Officer and Flying Officer WDRS Wickramarachchi as the Best Air Force Officer. The prestigious Sword of Honour for the Best All-Round Performance from Intake 37 was awarded to Lieutenant DMSP Jayalath.
The graduation session, held on 14 October 2024, was honoured by the presence of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, as the Chief Guest. During the event, the Commander awarded parchments and special accolades to the graduates in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Additionally, the Commander delivered an inspiring address during the ceremony. He emphasized the importance of overcoming challenges and obstacles, urging the graduates to become the leaders, practitioners and influencers who will guide the nation toward achieving its fullest potential. He encouraged them to cultivate creativity, innovation and selflessness in their future careers and to be passionate about contributing to the holistic development of society.
The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University was established in 1981 to address the educational needs of officers from the Tri-Services. In 2009, it was elevated to a fully-fledged university, extending its academic offerings to civilian students. Currently, the university provides doctoral, postgraduate, and postgraduate diploma courses to members of the armed forces, as well as local and international students.
Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Secretaries of other ministries, Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, General SHS Kottegoda, Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage , Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Vice Chancellor, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, members of the Air Force Board of Management, Inspector General of Police, Director-General of the Civil Defence Force and other Heads of the Security Sector, were among the distinguished gathering.
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