The vibrant beats of the “Night of Rhythms” echoed through the halls of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) on the enchanting evening of March 21st, 2024, organized by the students of Intake 40 from the Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities (FMSH), this event set the stage dazzling with its colorful performances.
“Night of Rhythms” was graced with the esteemed presence of the Chief Guest, Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara VSV, USP, PSC, MMaritimepol, BSc(DS), the Vice Chancellor of KDU with his beloved family members.
The primary aim of this student-led extravaganza was to raise funds for the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, assigned for the forthcoming Annual Case Study Tour-2024 of Intake 40 students from the Department of Social Science.
The show commenced with a powerful and vibrant performance by the Officer Cadets’ Beige band, captivating the audience with their exceptional talents and energy. Their performance set an electrifying tone for the rest of the evening, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
From traditional melodies to contemporary rhythms, the performances showcased a harmonious blend of cultures and varieties. Students from Intake 38 to 40 of FMSH, alongside talents from the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Criminal Justice, and Faculty of Allied Health Sciences-UHKDU, mesmerized the audience with their soulful renditions and captivating dances.
Additionally, the event welcomed Professor Hajimi Thozakia, Mr. Nobuo Kanda – The Department of Academic & Student Affairs, and a group of ten Japanese students from J.F. Oberlin University, Japan, who were on a short-term study tour to Sri Lanka. The event not only entertained but also fostered cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the students of KDU and JF Oberlin University, Japan. The Japanese students, with their enchanting traditional dancing performance “Bon Odori,” immersed attendees in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, igniting a shared sense of joy and appreciation for artistic expression.
The dedication and hard work of the students of Intake 40 under the guidance of Head of Department of Social Sciences – Dr. Tamara Jayesundera, Senior Lecturer – Ms. NAK Weerasinghe, and other academic and non-academic members of the Department were demonstrated in the successful execution of the event.