Embedding Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions in a university setting involves fostering an environment that promotes peace, upholds justice, and ensures the strength and transparency of institutional framework. General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), being the only Defence university in the country, is a pioneer in this aspect as assisting aspects related to maintaining Peace and Justice is one of its core values.
Graduates in law and civil enforcement: KDU is the only university in Sri Lanka, with a faculty of Law and a faculty of Criminal justice. In both the faculties KDU trains not only civil students and cadet officers but also police officers to maintain law and order in the country effectively.
Leadership and highest governing body: KDU’s leadership is appointed by the President of the country, and the appointee holds the office for three years unless the President extends the tenure. KDU’s highest governing body the Board of Management (BOM) consists of ex officio positions from the University Grants Commission, Treasury and the Ministry of Defence, in addition to the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of KDU and tri-service commanders.
Financial transparency: KDU make its financial standing public through its annual report which is also tabled in the parliament for consideration and approval of the lawmakers.
Freedom and Harmony: KDU promotes peace and harmony through extracurricular activities, hence KDU encourages all its students and staff to take part in either club/ society activities or sports. KDU assists more than 16 clubs and societies including the Welfare Society of Civil Employees. Moreover, KDU supports and provides facilities to its community to engage in more than 16 different sports.
Curricular integration: KDU has included ‘peace and conflict resolution’ as part of the coursework in related degree programmes. It also develops policies and programs that promote diversity and inclusivity on campus. Codes of ethics and integrity policies for both academic and administrative staff are developed and enforced in the KDU.
KDU establishes partnerships with local institutions, NGOs, and community organizations to address local justice needs as well and it conducts regular integrity training programmes for university stakeholders. By incorporating these practices, KDU actively contributes to SDG 16, fostering a culture of peace, justice, and strong institutions within its community and preparing students to be advocates for positive societal change.
