Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities (FMSH) and Faculty of Defence & Strategic Studies (FDSS) conducted the Faculty Orientation Programmes for its newly enlisted Intake 41 Day Scholars and their parents on 16th January 2024.
The registration activities commenced at 0900hrs, and the students and their parents were then escorted to the orientation ceremony.
180 students enlisted in the BSc in Logistics Management, BSc in Management and Technical Sciences, BSc in Social Sciences, BSc in Applied Data Sciences Communication and BA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree programmes took part in the event. Further, 52 Students enlisted for the BA in International Relations degree offered by the Department of Strategic Studies of FDSS. The event was hosted by Day Scholar Himan Michael and Disala Anthony whose enthusiastic compering made the event memorable.
The programme commenced with the KDU formalities including the KDU anthem and the tribute to the fallen war heroes. A documentary video on university life in all faculties was displayed to emphasize on the guiding principles; Discipline, Knowledge and Honour.
Thereafter, a traditional Pooja dance invoking blessings on the audience was performed by the Day Scholars of Intakes 39 and 40 adding colour to the inauguration ceremony.
Col U.S.B Ratnayake RWP, RSP, psc, Dean of Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies addressed the gathering and welcomed the new intake to the university, and emphasized on the importance of balancing both academics and extra-curricular activities.
A Welcome address congratulating the new intake for choosing this prestigious university for their tertiary education was given by the Dean of the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Lakshika Liyanage. The Dean highlighted that “KDU is an exceptional establishment built on the four pillars of academic excellence, discipline, diversity and innovation, where hardworking undergraduate are recognized and rewarded”. Further, she encouraged the students to utilize services offered by the university including career guidance, student mentoring, and counselling to mould themselves into well-rounded graduates with a futuristic mindset.
In the address by the Chief Guest, Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara VSV, USP, psc, MMartime Pol, BSc (DS) the Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, emphasized on the three pillars of studentship which are diversity, professionalism, and discipline. He stated that students should embrace diplomacy to navigate new horizons in their academics, co-curricular activities, and career growth to reach their fullest potential. Additionally, the President and the Secretary of the KDU Toastmasters Club, Dinuvi Jayawardena and Rozanne Silva were invited to add a touch of their experience in terms of growth, character development, sense of unity and the military environment in the university.
