The First 34 cadets of Kotelawala Defence Academy laid the foundation for KDU’s military, academic and national legacy.
The First 34 cadets of Kotelawala Defence Academy laid the foundation for what would later become Sri Lanka’s premier defence university.
In the history of Kotelawala Defence Academy and Sri Lanka’s wider military academic tradition, the year 1979 marked a decisive turning point. It was a moment when vision, national need, and institutional purpose came together with rare clarity.
Recognising the urgent need to raise the intellectual and professional standards of the country’s officer corps, the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka launched a bold and forward-looking initiative. The aim was to build an institution that would produce not only disciplined warriors, but also educated scholars and leaders of character.
To support this vision, a distinguished delegation led by Maj VSM Jayawardene, together with eminent academics including Prof. Pathmanathana, Prof. P.W. Epasinghe, and Prof. Fonseka, undertook a major fact-finding mission to the renowned National Defence Academy in Pune.
The National Defence Academy in Pune, known as the world’s first tri-service military university, stood as a benchmark of excellence.
Upon their return, the vision quickly moved from idea to action.
In an extraordinary act of patriotism and foresight, Sir John Kotelawala, the towering statesman and former Prime Minister, gifted his 48-acre Kandawala Estate, along with all its movable and immovable assets, to the nation.
That generous act became the cornerstone on which the academy would be built. It also ignited a national endeavour of deep importance.
Within days, plans were set in motion to establish the Kotelawala Defence Academy.
On 1 October 1980, as Sir John lay ailing at Colombo General Hospital, His Excellency J.R. Jayewardene, accompanied by General Dennis Perera and his ADC Capt. TM Bohoran, conferred on him the honorary rank of General.
It was an honour fitting for a man whose final act of service would shape the future of military education in Sri Lanka.
The very next day, Sir John passed away. Yet his enduring legacy was immortalised in the academy that would rise on his beloved estate.
The Kotelawala Defence Academy was formally inaugurated on 11 October 1980 in the distinguished presence of the President, the Tri-Service Commanders, and several eminent guests.
Its beginnings were modest. Infrastructure was limited, vehicles were few, and resources were scarce. But the academy was rich in spirit, resolve, and a shared sense of mission.
Under the visionary leadership of Brig. CAMN Silva, known as Mike Silva, and with the support of Lt Cdr IK Lokubalasuriya, the academy began its journey.
A dedicated cadre also played a decisive role. They included Maj VSM Jayawardene, who served as Adjutant and was later succeeded by Maj Nalin Angammana, alongside Maj Lohan Goonewardene, affectionately remembered as the “Father of KDA” for his lifelong dedication to nurturing and shaping the pioneers of Intake 1, Intake 2 and Intake 3, and Capt. Raj M. Fernando.
Together, they went far beyond the call of duty. They created an environment of discipline, intellectual growth, inspiration, and national service, laying a strong foundation for generations of cadets who would follow.
The historic first intake of Service Cadets entered the Kotelawala Defence Academy on 3 March 1981. That moment marked the true beginning of the academy’s academic and military journey.
The Intake Troop Commander was Flt Lt Sanka Wijesinghe, later succeeded by Fg Off Anura Silva and then Fg Off Mohan de Zoysa.
This pioneering batch consisted of 34 young men of exceptional promise. Of them, 13 proceeded to the University of Colombo to pursue a BSc in Physical Sciences, 19 entered the University of Moratuwa for Engineering degrees, and 2 specialised in Architecture.
Their early days were marked by simplicity, resilience, and firm determination.
Accommodation was arranged on the upper floor of Sir John’s bungalow, while meals were served in a temporary mess built nearby. Service lectures were conducted inside the bungalow premises itself, forming the nucleus of their military grounding.
Daily routines demanded both discipline and adaptability.
Cadets attending the University of Colombo were transported in a modest TATA 1210, while those attending the University of Moratuwa travelled by bicycle. These became symbols of both humility and perseverance.
Military training took place within the grounds of the Kandawala Estate. The parade square was situated adjacent to the hangars at Ratmalana Airport.
Swimming training, an essential component of their development, took place on Sundays at the St. Thomas’ pool in Mount Lavinia.
Despite limited facilities, the cadets were shaped under rigorous standards and careful mentorship. They were guided by some of the finest instructors drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, under the visionary leadership of Brigadier Mike Silva.
Training went beyond fieldcraft, service writing, tactics, and academics. It also included refined aspects such as service etiquette and formal dining.
Showing remarkable initiative, this first intake also organised the inaugural Cadet Ball, an elegant blend of discipline, tradition, and camaraderie. It upheld service standards with pride, despite the constraints of the time.
At university, the cadets had to integrate with civilian undergraduates while maintaining the distinct discipline expected of future officers.
Participation in sports was compulsory, and many excelled, bringing distinction to both their universities and the academy.
Notably, in 1984, two cadets from this intake rose to leadership positions at university level.
Former Ananda College Basketball Captain Ranil Ranasinghe, who captained basketball, and former Nalanda College Rugby Captain Ajith Perera, who captained rugby, led their respective teams to Inter-University championship titles.
It was an early sign of the leadership qualities being nurtured within KDA.
The culmination of their formative journey came with the first-ever Passing Out Parade, held on 2 May 1984.
The parade was graced by His Excellency J.R. Jayewardene as Chief Guest, together with the Tri-Service Commanders and distinguished military leadership.
The coveted Sword of Honour was awarded to Squadron Under Officer Rohith Rajaratne, who also secured first place in the Order of Merit. It was an extraordinary double distinction.
Recognition for excellence continued with Cadet Sergeant Peminda Jayasinghe receiving the award for Military Subjects, while Cadet Corporal Ranil Ranasinghe was honoured as Best Sportsman.
Upon commissioning, these officers were absorbed into the Army, Navy, and Air Force, beginning careers of service and sacrifice.
In the years that followed, they upheld their oath with honour, dedicating themselves to national security and contributing steadfastly to the protection of the motherland.
As time progressed, the officers of the pioneering first intake of the Kotelawala Defence Academy went on to serve the nation with unwavering commitment and honour.
Among them, the highest tribute and deepest gratitude must be paid to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
With deep reverence, we honour the gallant officers of Intake 1 who made the supreme sacrifice: Captain Jagath Perera, Wing Commander Kamal Welgama, and Lt Colonel Krishan Hettiarachchi.
Their extraordinary courage, selfless devotion, and unwavering commitment to the nation represent the highest ideals of service.
Their legacy remains eternally enshrined, inspiring generations of officers to uphold the same noble values with pride and dedication.
We also remember with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude the members of Intake 1 who later passed away due to natural causes.
They were Major Samitha Ubayaratne, Lieutenant SSK Rajapakse, Commodore Nadarajah Kuruparan, and SSP Dharmweera Chandrasiri, who left KDA in his second year to join the STF and was serving as an SSP at the time of his untimely demise.
Each rendered invaluable service to the nation. Their dedication, commitment, and enduring comradeship remain an integral part of the KDA story.
They are fondly remembered for the exemplary lives they led, both in and out of uniform.
Together, they represent a generation defined by duty, honour, and selfless service. They were true sons of the soil whose legacy continues to inspire and endure.
Driven by courage, dedication, and perseverance, these officers rose to the highest levels of their respective services, standing as an inspiring testament to the excellence fostered at Kotelawala Defence Academy.
Major General Dhammika Weerasekera, an alumnus of Royal College Colombo, was an exceptional rower known for remarkable stamina and technical excellence. He served the nation with distinction for 35 unblemished years, during which he held the key appointment of Director of Project Management at Defence Headquarters and made significant contributions to major national infrastructure projects.
Rear Admiral Vipula Jasinghe, also a proud product of Royal College Colombo, was a regular member of Defence Services badminton, tennis, and table tennis teams. He retired after 34 years of dedicated service as Director General of Civil Engineering.
Notably, he became the first KDA officer to be awarded the prestigious Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya in recognition of exceptional, distinguished, and loyal service to the nation.
Rear Admiral Sarath Mohotty, from Rahula College Matara, excelled in both academics and sports, earning university colours in soccer and athletics. He retired as Director Intelligence of the Sri Lanka Navy, leaving behind a commendable legacy of service.
Air Vice Marshal Rohan Pathirage, another distinguished alumnus of Royal College Colombo, was a brilliant sportsman who earned both school and national-level athletic colours.
He was former Chairman Volleyball in the SLAF, Vice President of the Volleyball Federation, and also served as Chairman of Defence Services Games in 2015.
He retired as Director of Project Management at Defence Headquarters, having also served as Director of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering. After retirement, he was re-mobilised, extending his exemplary and unblemished service to an impressive 43 years.
Air Vice Marshal Ajantha Silva, a former cricketer of S. Thomas’ College and Vidya College Matale, held several key appointments, including Air Force Spokesman, Military Attaché to Pakistan, and Director of Aeronautical Engineering.
He demonstrated versatility and leadership throughout his distinguished career. As the founding President of the KDU Alumni, he became a legendary and charismatic Air Vice Marshal whose commitment and foresight transformed the association and guided it to the respected standard it enjoys today.
Together, these officers embody the highest ideals of military professionalism and stand as proud ambassadors of KDA’s enduring legacy.
As the academy grew in stature and purpose, another defining milestone arrived in 1988. Through a landmark legislative amendment, it was elevated to university status as the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
This transformation marked the dawn of a new era, one that blended military discipline with academic excellence and lifted the institution to national and international prominence.
As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Intake 1 and the enduring legacy of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, it is only fitting to conclude with a tribute to the visionary whose selfless act made it possible.
General Sir John Kotelawala, with extraordinary foresight and patriotism, gifted his beloved Kandawala Estate to the nation. He offered not merely land, but opportunity, purpose, and nation building.
From that noble gesture grew an institution that continues to yield immeasurable dividends: generations of disciplined leaders, distinguished officers, and accomplished professionals who serve Sri Lanka and the world with honour.
Today, what was once a private estate stands transformed into a beacon of excellence, richly bearing fruit for the nation through knowledge, leadership, and service.
The legacy of General Sir John lives on not only in name, but in every cadet who passes through those gates, every graduate who upholds the values instilled there, and every act of service rendered to the motherland.
As this tribute to the pioneers of KDA Intake 1 draws to a close, we stand in deep gratitude for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.
As the very first intake of the academy, they laid the foundation on which generations of officers would follow.
For 45 proud years, they have carried and cherished the enduring legacy of Kotelawala with honour, dignity, and distinction.
Their story is not merely history. It is a living legacy etched in the annals of the nation’s military heritage.
In that legacy, the spirit of Kotelawala endures: steadfast, inspiring, resilient, and forever in service to the nation.
