The KDU Entrepreneurship Lab, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of KDU, successfully organized the KDU Young Entrepreneurs Exhibition 2025 for the 9th consecutive year. This flagship event celebrates student innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Opening Ceremony was graced by the Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, along with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. K.A.S. Dhammika, Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Lakshika Liyanage, Head of the Department, Dr. Upali Rajapaksha, and Lecturer-in-Charge, Dr. Kalpana Ambepitiya. The event also welcomed other Deans, Directors, a distinguished panel of evaluators, academic staff, industry professionals, and student participants.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Dilanka Sanjaya, Founder of FONIX Software (Pvt) Ltd, who shared his entrepreneurial journey and inspired the next generation of changemakers.
Under the theme “Future Me”, the exhibition featured 33 entries across four categories. The winners of each category are as follows:
Internal – Group (Intake 41)
- 1st Place: Incal Products
- 2nd Place: Thropaura
- 3rd Place: Beefit Ceylon Products
Internal – Group (Intake 42)
- 1st Place: CINNARA
- 2nd Place: Casa Taprobana
- 3rd Place: King Ceylon
External – Group
- 1st Place: Ayuro Dessey
- 2nd Place: Agri Connect
- 3rd Place: Mindease
External – Individual
- 1st Place: Wonka Dreams Shop
- 2nd Place: Sihalanka
Additionally, Best Stall Awards were presented to outstanding displays in each category:
- Internal (Intake 41): Aura
- Internal (Intake 42): MyLawyer.lk
- External (Group): Dive Mate
The evaluation panel comprised a blend of industry experts, KDU alumni, and young entrepreneurs, including:
- Mrs. Jasmin Nanayakkara – Founder, Real Life Sri Lanka
- Ms. Miuli Kalubowila – Founder, Generation Alpha (Pvt) Ltd
- Ms. Lakmini Weelakkody – Founder, Lak Nature International (Pvt) Ltd
- Ms. Dinithi Liyanage – Education Support Consultant, Acumatica Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
- Mr. Akmal Gunasekara – CEO, Phoenix Electrical Group of Companies
- Mr. Dananjaya Karunarathne – Lecturer, Department of Aeronautical Engineering; Online Entrepreneur
- Mr. Chamika Balasuriya – Assistant Lecturer, Entrepreneurship Development Unit, University of Sri Jayawardenapura
- Mr. Dunal Bandulahewa – Co-founder, DADS Entertainment (Pvt) Ltd
The exhibition received overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors, and several showcased products are expected to be launched in the near future, reflecting the tangible impact of this initiative in nurturing real-world entrepreneurship.
