9th KDU Logistics Day
The Technical Sciences and Management Society (TSMS) of the Department of Management and Finance, Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University successfully hosted the 9th KDU Logistics Day on 19th June 2024. The launch of the 9th edition of the Logistics Times Magazine, centered around the theme “Empowering Future Supply Chain Leaders: From Classroom to Boardroom,” was undeniably the highlight of the event. Additionally, the 1st edition of the KDU Student Chapter added a new touch to the event.
The organization of the 9th KDU Logistics Day was spearheaded by Mr. Anju Ilangasekara, Project Head of KDU Logistics Day 2024 and Lecturer-in-Charge of TSMS, along with the Lecturers-in-Charge of KDU Logistics Day 2024, Mr. Lahiru Gunathilake and Mr. Arjuna Vishawanath. Their dedicated efforts were supplemented by the support provided by Dr. Upali Rajapaksha, Head of the Department of Department of Management and Finance, Dr. Namali Sirisoma, Mrs. ID Wathuhewa, Senior Treasurer of TSMS, Dr. Kalpana Ambepitiya, Director of Career Guidance Unit, Dr. Sabeen Sharic and other senior and junior academic staff of the department.
Rear Admiral H.G.U. Dammika Kumara VSV, USP, psc, MMaritimePol, BSc (DS), the Vice-Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and Mr. Nandun Mendis, Director of Group Sourcing and Supply Chain RM and Non-RM of MAS Capital were present as the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour, respectively.
The event started with the welcome address delivered by the President of TSMS, Swetha Costa, where the theme of the event was immensely highlighted. This year’s theme, “From Classroom to Boardroom: Empowering Future Supply Chain Leaders,” focuses on bridging the gap between classroom and boardroom, empowering the next generation of supply chain leaders to thrive in the dynamic world of tomorrow.
From Intake 29 to Intake 37, spanning 9 Intakes, the Department of Management and Finance has produced many valuable assets for the industry who hold managerial positions in leading organizations both locally and internationally, and some serve as academics at KDU and other universities showcasing their classroom to boardroom journey. Furthermore, a heartfelt address was given by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Nandun Mendis, Director of Group Sourcing and Supply Chain RM and Non-RM of MAS Capital.
The panel discussion led by the industry representatives conveyed the contemporary requirements of the industry, the expectations of a graduate, and the empowerment that a future leader would possess in a much more detailed context. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Sabeen Sharic, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Management and Finance, and he conversed with the panelists; Mr. Nandun Mendis, Director of Group Sourcing and Supply Chain RM and Non-RM of MAS Capital, Mr. Rajitha Perera, Head of Demand and Supply Planning at Nestlé Lanka and Mr. Nisal Wijeratne, Business Analyst at Freight Oscope. It was evident through the audience gathered there that many graduates of KDU, including Mr. Nisal Wijeratne, a superior product of Intake 31, have distinguished themselves as influential leaders in Supply Chain Management. The foundation for their exceptional skills, innovative thinking and dedication were first identified and nurtured within the walls of this fine institution.
The article competition featured two distinct categories: Undergraduate (for KDU students) and Open (for graduates and other universities). In the open category, the 1st place was awarded to Y.K.P. Jayodya and the 2nd place was awarded to Dilaksan Visuvaraththinam, both from the University of Moratuwa following B.Sc. (Hons) in Transport Management and Logistics Engineering. The 3rd place went to B.H.J. Cooray from Intake 37, a graduate of BSc in Management and Technical Sciences from KDU. In the undergraduate category, M.N. Jayathilake from Intake 39 secured the 1st place while G.K.S. Costa from Intake 40 won the 2nd place, following BSc in Logistics Management at KDU. The 3rd place was awarded to A. Sandali S. Perera from Intake 38, following BSc in Management and Technical Sciences at KDU.
The debut launch of the KDU Student Chapter also featured a competition. The 1st place was awarded to C.A. Galewelage from Intake 40 and 2nd place was awarded to the group of students, D.N.A. Hendalage, P.S. Wickramage, S.S. Wickramage, W.D.D. Thathsarani from Intake 40, all following BSc in Logistics Management and the 3rd place went to B.L.H.R. Liyanage, an undergraduate from BSc in Management (Weekend Programme) at KDU.
The winners in each category in both article competition and KDU Student Chapter were honored with gifts and certificates sponsored by INSEE Cement, and a plant was given to each winner, symbolizing the competition’s emphasis on sustainability initiatives.
Further, the Deans of Faculties, Directors, Heads of the Departments and other academia, military and administrative officers, industry representatives and student representatives from other universities including University of Moratuwa, Ocean University of Sri Lanka and NSBM took part in the event. With all these significant occurrences and entertainment items highlighting the indescribable talents of the department students, which added a touch of elegance to the event, the much-anticipated day ended with a resounding success of yet another significant annual event of KDU.
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