The Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University successfully hosted its faculty research symposium, VISTA 2025, under the timely theme “Enabling Digital Economies and Societies through Novel Sustainable Strategies.” The symposium served as a vibrant platform for academics, researchers, and professionals to explore how innovation, technology, and sustainability converge in today’s digital era.
The event commenced with a thought-provoking keynote address by Professor Janaka Ekanayaka, who offered valuable insights into the changing landscape of digital economies. The plenary session was chaired by Professor Anoma Abeyrathne and featured distinguished plenary speakers: Professor Prasad Sethunga, Professor Rohan Samarajiva, Dr. Dilani Wickramaarachchi, and Dr. Chathura Rajapakse. Their contributions enriched the discussion with diverse academic and industry perspectives.
Research studies were presented by students from the Department of Management and Finance, Department of Social Sciences, and Department of Languages, aligned with specialized sub-themes such as “Navigating Digital Transformation: Integrating Logistics, Technology & Analytics for a Competitive Edge,” “Digital Citizenship and Civic Engagement,” “Digital Culture & Identity,” “Digital Governance, Policy and Economic Development,” “Advancing Digital Innovation & Sustainable Economic Growth through AI,” and “Bridging the Gap: Language and Digital Transformation” respectively.
VISTA 2025 showcased the faculty’s dedication to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and encouraging innovative research aimed at building resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking societies. The symposium marked another successful chapter in the university’s academic calendar, reaffirming its commitment to thought leadership and transformative knowledge sharing.