Colombo:The 37th General Convocation of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) took place at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, with Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), as the Chief Guest.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the event was attended by the Chancellor of KDU, Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake (Retd), the Vice Chancellor, Air Vice Marshal W.R.D.M.I. Wickramasinghe, and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), who was there as a special guest.

During the ceremony, Major General Jayasekara awarded trophies and gold medals to outstanding graduates from Intakes 38, 39, and 40. In his address, he emphasized the broad scope of national security, which includes economic, food, energy, cyber, health, and environmental security. He also acknowledged KDU’s crucial role in merging military expertise with academic knowledge, technological advancement, and public service.

He further underscored the importance of strategic thinking, technological expertise, professional integrity, and leadership in protecting national sovereignty and public welfare. The Deputy Minister also pointed out the need for education reforms, efficient public service, fiscal discipline, and economic growth in creating a resilient nation, encouraging the graduates to contribute to national progress through their knowledge and innovation.