Welcome to Southern Campus - General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University

The concluding years of the 1970’s recognised a requirement for the tri-forces to obtain not only military expertise, but an academic education, too. Following this necessity, former prime minister, General Sir John Kotelawala, donated 48 acres of his personal estate in Kandawala to the tri-forces in 1980. This grew to be the dawn of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy. The Academy has now matured into a fully-fledged university, consisting of nine faculties, offering both undergraduate and graduate studies.

Several decades into the future, towards this present date, the capacity of Kotelawala Defence University was deemed insufficient to meet the growing demand of students and academics, and inspiration bloomed to broaden this network. Consequently, a corporate plan was developed in 2012 that foresaw a vision to establish campuses in the North and South. Thus, when the opportunity was provided to commence a University Village in Sooriyaweva, KDU accepted the brave challenge of becoming pioneers and establishing not only the Faculty of Computing, but also initiating the Faculty of Built Environment and Spatial Sciences from scratch on 140 acres of land vested by the government.

Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies

Faculty of Computing

Faculty of Built Environment and Spatial Sciences

To be a university nationally and internationally known for its unique ability to engage both undergraduate and graduate students in distinctive and interdisciplinary defence related higher education that best serves the tri-services, the state sector and society at large.
University Crest - General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University - KDU
VISION
KDU
To ensure a high-quality, learner-centered educational experience through undergraduate, graduate, and professional programmes along with high quality research across many disciplines in the field of defence, in both residential and non-residential settings in the campus.
University Crest - General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University - KDU
MISSION
KDU

Roll of Honor


Death Cannot make us them forget

They remain fresh in our memory
At the Sunrise and Sunset.
We greatfully recall their glory
The bond between them and us
Keeps them young and alive thus