KDU Brings World-Class Education to Dambulla: Inauguration of the City Campus of Technology

The KDU City Campus of Technology was inaugurated in Dambulla on July 21, 2024, by the State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon. The establishment of this campus aims to address the critical need for skilled professionals in Matale and surrounding districts. KDU, a leading state university in Sri Lanka, is expanding its reach to Dambulla to increase access to higher education and empower local communities.

This initiative is a dream realized for Hon. Minister Tennakoon, who envisioned bringing a university to Dambulla. The opening ceremony saw the participation of dignitaries including the Minister’s father, former minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, Secretary Defence General Kamal Gunarathna, and Commander of Army General Vikum Liyanage.

KDU City Campus will offer two-degree programs in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Precision Agriculture, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Additionally, five certificate programs recognized by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) will be available:

• English for Tourism (NVQ 3)
• Certificate in ICT (NVQ 3)
• Elderly Caregiver Education (NVQ 3)
• Professional Tour Guide (NVQ 4)
• Agribusiness Management & Entrepreneurship (NVQ 4)

These programs are designed to equip the region’s youth with valuable skills and knowledge. All degrees will be recognized locally and internationally.

KDU’s ranking as number one in Sri Lanka in the 2024 Times Higher Eucation Impact Rankings, with a remarkable 61st position globally under the Quality Education category, signifies the university’s dedication to excellence. The opening of the Dambulla campus provides an exceptional opportunity for students to obtain internationally recognized qualifications from a premier Sri Lankan university.

The ceremony included presentations by Dr. Arinda Lakmal, Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment and Spatial Sciences, on the renovation plans for the campus building, and Prof. Prasanna Premadas, Dean of the Faculty of Technology, who detailed the course selection process based on local needs assessments conducted with the support of grama niladaris in the Dambulla area. Following the presentations, discussions were held to finalize the next steps for commencing operations at the new campus.

The KDU City Campus of Technology marks a significant development for Dambulla, offering a path towards a brighter future for the region’s students and communities.