UNIMEDIA Orientation and Opening Ceremony 2025: A Milestone in KDU Media Excellence

The UNIMEDIA Orientation and Opening Ceremony 2025 was successfully held on 14 February 2025 at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Southern Campus Auditorium, marking the beginning of a new era for the university’s media unit. The event brought together esteemed faculty members, distinguished guests, and enthusiastic students in a celebration of media excellence and innovation.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Rector of KDUSC, Brigadier HMGE Herath RSP USP ndu psc. The Guest of Honour, Colonel MTC De Silva psc, Director CITS & DS, attended alongside Ms. Manuri Waleboda, Lecturer of FMSH, and representatives from the KDU Media Circle. Senior officials from the KDU Southern Campus, including Squadron Commander Major PRL Perera Lsc SLCMP, Adjutant Major JADM Perera SLSR, and Troop Commanders Major HMRS Herath psc SLE, Major WMSP Wanninayake SLAWC, Lieutenant SPA Madushan (Officer-in-Charge, UNIMEDIA), and Captain SS Abeysekara SLAWC. The event was further enriched by the presence of the Heads of Departments (HODs) and students, creating an atmosphere of academic and professional camaraderie.

Event Highlights

 The ceremony commenced with the arrival of students and distinguished guests, followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp and the KDU Anthem, symbolizing a formal and auspicious beginning. A solemn moment of silence was observed in honor of fallen war heroes and the students who lost their lives in the tragic KDU bus accident on 1 November 2024.

Adding a cultural touch, a vibrant welcome dance set the stage for the event, followed by an inspiring welcome speech by J/O/Cdt SUA Wickramanayake. The attendees were then introduced to the vision and objectives of UNIMEDIA through an engaging introductory video.

A key segment of the event was the presentation of two project plans through detailed PowerPoint presentations, outlining UNIMEDIA’s roadmap for the upcoming year. These were followed by a song performance by the Aesthetic Club, adding a creative and artistic element to the program.

Guest Speeches & Cultural Performances

 The event featured an insightful speech by the Representative of the Media Circle, KDU Ratmalana, emphasizing the role of student-led media initiatives. A thought-provoking drama performance showcased the storytelling and production skills of UNIMEDIA members, while an inclusive Tamil language session highlighted the unit’s commitment to linguistic diversity.

An address by the Director IT of CITS & DS provided valuable insights into media technology and digital advancements, setting the tone for UNIMEDIA’s future growth. This was followed by another musical performance by the Aesthetic Club, reinforcing the creative energy of the event.

Address by the Chief Guest & Recognitions

 The highlight of the ceremony was the comprehensive keynote speech by the Guest of Honour, Brigadier Enoj Herath, who underscored the importance of media in academic and professional growth. He commended the collaborative efforts of students and faculty in establishing UNIMEDIA as a platform for innovation and excellence. In recognition of valuable contributions towards UNIMEDIA’s establishment, a memento was presented to the Director IT of CITS & DS, signifying appreciation for technological support and guidance.

A New Beginning for UNIMEDIA

As the event drew to a close, students from Intake 42 shared their feedback, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunities UNIMEDIA presents. A heartfelt thanking speech by D/S Nethmi Nimasha acknowledged the collective efforts behind the successful launch. The event concluded with a group photo session, capturing the spirit of the occasion, followed by refreshments, providing an opportunity for networking and camaraderie.

Looking Ahead

 The UNIMEDIA Orientation and Opening Ceremony 2025 was a resounding success, setting the stage for an era of media excellence, creativity, and communication at KDU. With the unwavering support of the administration, faculty, and students, UNIMEDIA is poised to become a driving force in journalism, broadcasting, and digital media.