The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, recognized as the leading Defence University in South Asia, pioneers in grooming young military and non-military undergraduates and postgraduates to excel in the competitive world as professionals. This is achieved by fostering a high-quality, learner-centred environment. As part of its efforts to acclimatise newly enrolled students to the University and its ethos, while inculcating leadership, communication, knowledge, and other essential skills, the University conducted a leadership skill development programme, showcasing KDU as a unique educational model.
The programme was conducted from 24th of November 2024 to 4th of January 2025 in six groups. The course curriculum encompassed a variety of subjects, including leadership traits, personal grooming, etiquette, and sexually transmitted diseases—topics deemed essential in the context of modern higher education. The undergraduates engaged in numerous outdoor team-building activities, where their leadership skills, teamwork, critical thinking, decision-making capabilities, and attitudes under stressful conditions were tested.
The students also gained insight into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and were given the opportunity to plan and conduct a one-day project in a selected area. The groups carried out beach cleaning initiatives and dengue prevention projects in the Ratmalana area around KDU, the KDU University Hospital in Werahera, and the Ratmalana bus depot—locations identified as high-risk areas for dengue. It is noteworthy that all these activities were highly commended upon completion by the respective heads and organisational representatives. Moreover, activities conducted in public locations were carried out under the guidance and supervision of the Public Health Inspector (PHI) and the Moratuwa and Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Councils.
The new undergraduates also had the unique opportunity to participate in an exciting paintball competition among their teams, which turned out to be a novel and thrilling experience for most students. Paintballing was organised in collaboration with the renowned “Hustlers Paintball” team. Additionally, students participated in a fire safety drill under the guidance and supervision of the highly qualified KDU fire safety team.
One of the most cherished events of the programme was the hike to Kurulukanda in Padukka, coupled with a survival skills session. This experience was both educational and exhilarating for the participants.
A total of 1,560 newly enlisted undergraduates participated in the programme, which concluded successfully with numerous positive comments and feedback from the students.
