The IMechE Student Chapter of KDU, established in 2022 by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, provides a platform for undergraduates to develop their technical, teamwork, and leadership skills.
The Annual General Meeting of the IMechE Student Chapter of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University was held on January 28, 2025, at 3 PM in the FGS auditorium of our alma mater. The event was honored by esteemed guests, including the Vice Chancellor, Rear Admiral H.G.U. Dammika Kumara, as the Chief Guest, Mr. Lasantha Kurukularachchi, Chairman of IMechE Sri Lanka, as the Guest of Honour, and Dr. J.R. Gamage, Young Members’ Chair of IMechE Sri Lanka, as the Keynote Speaker. Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Defence and Administration), the Deans of the Faculties of Engineering and Defence & Strategic Studies, Heads of Departments and academic staff from the Faculty of Engineering.
The event commenced with the KDU anthem, lighting of the oil lamp and the vibrant, traditional Pooja dance. A warm welcome address was given by Captain R.S. Ginige, the Chapter Coordinator of IMechE, KDU. This was followed by an insightful speech from Dr. J.R. Gamage, the Keynote Speaker, who elaborated on IMechE’s significance and its ongoing initiatives. A recap video then took the audience on a reminiscent journey, highlighting the projects and activities of the IMechE Student Chapter over the past year.
The Immediate Past President, Sathiyaseelan Leninnath, shared his experiences and reflections on his tenure, followed by the delivery of the 2024–2025 Minutes by the past Secretary, Manuka Madawalage. In recognition of their dedication and commitments, the Vice Chancellor, Rear Admiral H.G.U. Dammika Kumara, alongside the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. -Ing. Thushara Weerawadane awarded certificates of appreciation to the outgoing committee members. Their efforts had earned the university’s student chapter the title of “Most Outstanding Student Chapter of 2024”. To mark this achievement, the past Executive Committee was further honoured with certificates presented by Mr. Lasantha Kurukularachchi, Chairman of IMechE Sri Lanka, alongside the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cdr (E) WAMI Fernando.
The event then took a turn with a lively musical performance by KDU’s Officer Cadet Band, “Beige Band”. Following this, Mr. Lasantha Kurukularachchi returned to the stage to share his knowledge and experiences from his journey with IMechE. The highlight of the evening came with the appointment of the new Executive Committee, conducted by Past President Sathiyaseelan Leninnath.
The newly elected President, Janidu Balasuriya, addressed the audience, sharing his vision and aspirations for the chapter. As the event drew to a close, the distinguished guests were presented with tokens of appreciation for their guidance and support.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the newly appointed Secretary, Manishi Silva, followed by the National Anthem. With a renewed vision and a committed team, the IMechE Student Chapter of KDU looks forward to another successful year of innovation and excellence.
