The Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) proudly hosted its Women’s Day Celebrations on 10th March 2025, organized by the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE), bringing together inspiring voices to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women in academia, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the arts. The Chief Guests for the Event were the Vice Chancellor of KDU Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara, VSV, USP, psc, MMaritimePol, BSc (DS), the Vice Chancellor’s wife Mrs. Inoka Weerakoon, while the Guest of Honour was Mrs. Jayani Lokuliyana, Co-founder and CEO of data driven digital marketing company zMessenger.
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled ‘Accelerate Now,’ where Dean- Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities (FMSH) Dr. Lakshika Liyanage took center stage, sharing her insights on the importance of mental health among women and how it benefits them and all those around. Other members of the panel included Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe, Dean Faculty of Criminal Justice (FOCJ) and Ms. Kavindya Baddegama, Senior Product Manager at i4T Global Sri Lanka. The session was moderated by Dr. Krishanthi Anandawansa, Senior Lecturer at Dept. of Languages and the CGEE Coordinator of FMSH.
Honoring Outstanding FMSH Women at KDU
The KDU Women’s Excellence Awards at the event celebrated remarkable achievements across multiple fields, and this year’s distinguished recipients included 5 esteemed women from FMSH:
- Dr. Lakshika Liyanage, Dean FMSH- KDU Women’s Excellence Award for Student Counselling and Social Service
- Ms. Imendra Wattuhewa, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Management and Finance– KDU Women’s Excellence Award for Longest Academic Teaching Support to KDU
- Dr. Namali Sirisoma, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Management and Finance – KDU Women’s Excellence Award for Leadership
- Dr. Kalpana Ambepitiya, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Management and Finance– KDU Women’s Excellence Award for Entrepreneurship
- Dr. Krishanthi Anandawansa, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Languages– KDU Women’s Excellence Award for Arts
The special highlight of the excellence awards was that FMSH secured five awards in five different categories, showcasing its commitment to a diverse range of academic, professional and integrated excellence.
Long Service Awards
Yet another highlight of the KDU Women’s Day 2025 event was the appreciation of long service awards for KDU women who have completed 10 years of dedicated service to KDU between 1st March 2024 and 2025. Among the many women academic and non-academic staff of KDU who received long service awards, 5 women academic and non-academic staff members from FMSH were appreciated as well. Namely, Dr. Kalpana Ambepitiya, Director CGEE and Senior Lecturer from the Dept. of Management and Finance, Dr. Krishanthi Anandawansa, Senior Lecturer from the Dept. of Languages, Ms. Lakshani Willarachchi Senior Lecturer from the Dept. of Languages, Ms. Piumi Lankeshwara, Senior Lecturer from the Dept. of Management and Finance, and Ms. Sumudu Karunarathna, Management Assistant of Dept. of Languages, KDU received appreciation from the Vice Chancellor of KDU.
Looking Ahead
FMSH is proud and extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients. Their dedication continues to inspire the KDU community, and FMSH wishes them the strength and success to excel in their respective fields for years to come.
Let us continue to celebrate and uplift the women who shape our Faculty, institution and society!
