Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) is a prominent institution in Sri Lanka, originally established as a defence academy in 1981 and later elevated to university status in 2007. It specializes in producing highly skilled graduates for Sri Lanka’s Tri-services, but it also offers academic programs to civilian day-scholars. KDU is recognized internationally, attracting both local and foreign students, and is a member of prestigious organizations like the Association of Commonwealth Universities. It offers a range of programs in various fields, with a focus on both military and civilian education​