11/09/2026
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐บ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ
The Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University successfully hosted the 6th Student Research Forum, 2026, bringing together undergraduate researchers to explore the strategic, political and security challenges shaping the contemporary world. Held under the theme โNavigating Global Transformations: Understanding Strategic Complexities in the 21st Century,โ the forum provided a dynamic platform for students to present their research and engage with emerging issues within the field of Strategic Studies and International Relations.
The forum was graced by the Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Air Vice Marshal WRDMI Wickramasinghe, USP, MSc (Def & Strat Stu), MHRM, BSc (Def Stu) Aero Eng, C Eng (UK), MRAeS, AMIE(SL), ndc, psc as the Chief Guest, together with Brigadier HA Hapugoda USACGSC, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Defence and Administration), Professor Charitha L Gunasekara, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Colonel WHMCK Wijekoon WWV RWP RSP USP idu psc, the Dean of the Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies, Dr Harinda Vidanage, Director of Centre for Strategic Assessment and Dr Niruka Sanjeewani, Head of the Department of Strategic Studies alongside distinguished academics, researchers, military professionals, and other members of the university community. The Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker, Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director and Ex-Officio Board Member of Fulbright Commission, Sri Lanka, delivered the keynote address, offering valuable insights into the complexities and transformations defining the contemporary global environment.
The Student Research Forum continues to serve a distinctive purpose within the Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies, extending beyond the presentation of academic research. It provides undergraduates with an opportunity to transform classroom knowledge into meaningful inquiry while developing essential competencies in research, critical thinking, communication, academic presentation, and event management. This yearโs forum was chaired by Faculty Under Officer PRMSAN Rajapaksha, with Day Scholar Isulie Aththanayake serving as Conference Secretary and Day Scholar Janani Prabhashwarie serving as Chief Editor. Together with the organizing committee and student participants, they contributed to the successful planning and ex*****on of the forum.
A significant highlight of SRF 2026 was the recognition of excellence in student research and academic presentation. Day Scholar KM Deshani of Intake 42, from the Strategic Studies and International Relations programme, was awarded Best Researcher, recognising the quality and overall contribution of her research. Day Scholar HOVR Perera of Intake 42, from the Strategic Studies and International Relations programme, was recognised as the Best Poster Presenter, highlighting excellence in communicating research through visual presentation.
The Student Research Forum 2026 stands as another milestone in the Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studiesโ continuing effort to cultivate a culture of research among undergraduates. By bringing together research, dialogue, and diverse perspectives, SRF 2026 reaffirmed that student research is not merely an academic requirement, but an important avenue through which young scholars can engage with the strategic realities of an increasingly complex world.
