The Annual General Meeting of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (SEDS KDU), was successfully held on the 15th of August 2025 at the Faculty of Graduate Studies Auditorium. The event brought together faculty members, distinguished guests, and students to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments and to welcome a newly appointed Executive Committee and Divisional Leads for the term 2025/26.

Inspiring Leadership and Guidance

The evening commenced with the presence of the Chief Guest, Prof. Thushara Weerawardane, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Ajith Weerasinghe, Associate Professor at California State University, Fresno, and the Keynote Speaker, Eng. Sameera Chathuranga, Senior Program Manager at IFS.

In his address, Eng. Chathuranga highlighted the transformative role of modern technologies in aviation and aerospace, drawing attention to advancements in avionics and the potential of futuristic concepts such as windowless aircraft. He further emphasized that while artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, its role in aviation remains bounded by critical safety considerations, making human expertise indispensable. His insights inspired students to look toward innovation while appreciating the unique challenges of the aerospace field.

Prof. Weerasinghe, delivering the Guest of Honour’s address, motivated students by underscoring that the years between twenty and thirty are the most formative period to absorb knowledge and gain diverse experiences. He praised KDU’s academic environment for creating opportunities to learn, grow, and shaping well-rounded graduates ready for the future.

A New Executive Team Takes Charge

The AGM marked the official appointment of the new Executive Committee of SEDS KDU for the year 2025/26. Leading the team as President was Kavindu Methmal, alongside Vice President Maheesha Kavindi Wijegunawardhana, Secretary Amalja Isiwaree, Treasurer Kulith Kulathunga, and a dedicated panel of managers and representatives. Together, they will guide the society’s activities with a renewed vision.

Further strengthening the chapter’s structure, divisional leads were appointed across multiple domains, including Rocketry, Robotics and Rover, Satellite & IT, Aeronautical, Biomedical, Observation, Finance, Media, and Project Management. This diverse leadership team reflects the multidisciplinary nature of SEDS and its commitment to advancing space-related exploration and innovation.

Looking Ahead: New Projects and Ambitions

In his inaugural speech, President Kavindu Methmal shared his ambition to elevate the chapter’s impact through fresh initiatives. Among the first projects to launch under his leadership are Astrolit, an article-writing challenge focusing on Satellite and IT-related topics, and Astrofocus, a space-themed photography competition built around the theme “See the world through your lens.” These projects are designed to expand student engagement while nurturing creativity and scientific curiosity.

Celebrating Achievements and Honoring Contributions

The AGM also celebrated the dedication of the outgoing committee and divisional leads, recognizing their efforts with certificates. A multimedia recap showcased the remarkable milestones achieved during the past year, reinforcing SEDS KDU’s role as a hub of innovation, teamwork, and space enthusiasm at the university.

A Vision for the Future

With a dynamic new leadership team, inspiring mentorship from faculty, and the backing of SEDS Sri Lanka, SEDS KDU is poised for a promising year ahead. The chapter continues to be a vibrant platform where undergraduates with a passion for space—whether in engineering, science, or creativity—can collaborate, innovate, and contribute to the global SEDS mission of space exploration and development.