Signing of MoU with Sri Lankan Airlines for BSc in Aircraft Maintenance (Honours) Degree Programme

Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sri Lankan Airlines (SLA) on 10th January 2024 to continue the Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance (Honours) degree programme conducted in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Aviation College (SLAC). This is a positive step towards catering for the increased demand of aircraft maintenance professionals for the industry.

The Vice Chancellor of the KDU Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara addressed the gathering and emphasized that this event marked a significant milestone in the partnership between Sri Lankan Airlines and KDU. Further, he emphasized that KDU is excited to continue working together with SLA and SLAC to provide students with the best possible education and training in the field of aviation.

Subsequently, Head of Department of Aeronautical Engineering Wing Commander Niroshan Kiriwella briefed the SLA delegation on the conduct of this unique degree programme and the facilities available at KDU for the students. The General Manager of SLAC Mr. Primal De Silva expressed his appreciation for the conduct of the degree programme and highlighted that SLA has also signed a MoU with the Sri Lanka Air Force. This will indirectly benefit the students at KDU and SLAC to gain practical exposure in the aviation industry.

The CEO of Sri Lankan Airlines, Mr. Richard Nuttal admired the educational facilities and the environment that KDU has to offer to the students while expressing their interest in exploring new opportunities for growth and development in the future. He further requested continuous commitment and support from both parties in this collaboration.

The CEO of Sri Lankan Airlines, the General Manager of SLAC, and Mr. Damith Kasagala Technical Training Manager represented Sri Lankan Airlines as signatories to the MoU, while the Vice Chancellor of KDU, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Thushara Weerawardane, and Acting Registrar Ms. Kashmi Sandanayake took part in the signing ceremony representing the KDU. The event was coordinated by the staff of the Department of Aeronautical Engineering.