General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and the Western Sydney University (WSU), Australia entered into an Agreement for student mobility between two institutions. The Agreement was signed by the Vice Chancellor of KDU Major General MP Peiris RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, and Prof. Deborah Sweeney, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Enterprise and International) of Western Sydney University in a ceremony held at KDU on March 24, 2023.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of KDU, thanked the delegates for visiting KDU to sign the Agreement. He stated that he believes two universities would explore the prospect of partnering in other disciplines, as well as research, following the signing of the Agreement.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Deborah Sweeney in her speech, drew parallels between the achievements of both institutions in the 2022 Times Higher Education Impact Ranking. She expressed her surprise at how closely the faculties of KDU and the schools at WSU match closely with one another. She went on to elaborate on potential avenues for future collaboration between the KDU and WSU.

Following the signing of the Agreement, visitors were taken to ‘Walawwa’ the late Prime Minister, General Sir John Kotelawala’s mansion. This historical building has been carefully preserved and restored, allowing visitors to take a step back in time and explore the grandeur.

Prof. Deborah Sweeney, was accompanied by the Pro Vice Chancellor (International), Prof. Linda Taylor, Dean, School of Science Prof. Graciela Metternicht, and Dr. Kamali Kannangara, Associate Dean, School of Science from the Western Sydney University.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. KAS Dhammika, Dean, Research and Development Prof. CL Goonasekara, Dean, Faculty of Built Environment & Spatial Sciences, Dr AH Lakmal, Director, International relations, Dr KMGP Premadasa and the Deputy Registrar, Cdr HBH Deeshana RWP RSP & Bar USP psc participated in the signing ceremony from KDU.