36TH GENERAL CONVOCATION OF SIR JOHN KOTELAWALA DEFENCE UNIVERSITY CONCLUDES AT BMICH
The 36th General Convocation of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University concluded yesterday (14 October 2025) at the BMICH, with the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara(Retd), attending as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Major General Jayasekara (Retd) praised the graduands for their commitment and determination, encouraging them to apply their learning with integrity and purpose for the betterment of the nation. He highlighted the strong connection between education, innovation, and national advancement, remarking, “Knowledge holds great power, yet it becomes truly meaningful only when it is used to uplift humanity and drive the country’s progress.”
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.
A total of 1,883 graduands from the Faculty of Graduate Studies were conferred with degrees and postgraduate diplomas at this year’s convocation, held over two days (13 and 14 October 2025). The event celebrated their academic excellence and commitment to advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines. During the final session of the ceremony, 155 graduands received their parchments along with awards for outstanding performance, which were presented by the Deputy Minister of Defence.
In recognition of exceptional achievements, the Deputy Minister of Defence presented special awards to Officer Cadet YLDH Yakandawala, who was adjudged the Best Student Officer, and to Flying Officer KMLL Kmarasinghe, who received the award for Best Overall Performance in Academic Studies in the Social Science Stream.
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.
The second day graduation session, held on 14 October 2025, was honoured by the presence of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe. Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Secretaries of other ministries, Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, General Shantha Kottegoda, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, Vice Chancellor, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, members of the Air Force Board of Management, Inspector General of Police and other Heads of the Security Sector, were among the distinguished gathering.
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.
A total of 1,883 graduands from the Faculty of Graduate Studies were conferred with degrees and postgraduate diplomas at this year’s convocation, held over two days (13 and 14 October 2025). The event celebrated their academic excellence and commitment to advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines. During the final session of the ceremony, 155 graduands received their parchments along with awards for outstanding performance, which were presented by the Deputy Minister of Defence.
In recognition of exceptional achievements, the Deputy Minister of Defence presented special awards to Officer Cadet YLDH Yakandawala, who was adjudged the Best Student Officer, and to Flying Officer KMLL Kmarasinghe, who received the award for Best Overall Performance in Academic Studies in the Social Science Stream.
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.
The second day graduation session, held on 14 October 2025, was honoured by the presence of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe. Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Secretaries of other ministries, Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, General Shantha Kottegoda, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, Vice Chancellor, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, members of the Air Force Board of Management, Inspector General of Police and other Heads of the Security Sector, were among the distinguished gathering.
1st Day
2nd Day
