The 19th International Research Conference (IRC) of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) commenced on 20 August 2026, with Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, attending the inaugural session. The conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as Chief Guest, under the theme “From Crisis to Opportunity: Reimagining Governance, Infrastructure, and Innovation for a Resilient Future.” The keynote address was delivered by Professor Malik Peiris, Emeritus Professor/Honorary Clinical Professor at the School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong.

The two-day conference serves as a prominent platform for scholars, researchers, academics and professionals to exchange knowledge, present research and foster collaboration on contemporary national and international issues. It covers diverse disciplines including Defence and Strategic Studies, Engineering, Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, Law, Computing, Criminal Justice, Medicine, Allied Sciences and Gender Equality. The inaugural session was attended by the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of KDU, senior academic and administrative staff, university vice chancellors, diplomatic representatives, Tri-Forces Commanders, senior military and police officers and senior state officials.