Inauguration of the ASHRAE KDU Student Branch: A Milestone for Building Services Technology Students

The Faculty of Technology at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) proudly announces the establishment of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) KDU Student Branch. The ceremony, graced by the Vice Chancellor, Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara, VSV, USP, psc, marked a significant milestone for the university’s BET (Hons) Building Services Technology undergraduates.
The Vice Chancellor, in his address, emphasized the importance of such global affiliations in enhancing students’ professional growth and bridging the gap between academia and industry. Distinguished guests, including representatives from the ASHRAE Sri Lanka Chapter, added prestige to the event. Among them were Chapter President Ms. Dayani Gunawardena, former President and ASHRAE distinguished lecturer Mr. Chandana Dalugoda, and Regional Representative Ms. UDDA Sandamali.
Establishing the ASHRAE KDU Student Branch connects KDU students with a globally recognized network of professionals in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry. This branch serves as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and learning, enabling students to access invaluable resources, engage with industry leaders, and develop technical expertise to meet modern engineering challenges.
The ceremony featured speeches highlighting the branch’s mission to foster academic excellence, professional development, and collaborative research. Faculty members and students expressed their enthusiasm, underscoring the opportunities this initiative unlocks, such as technical workshops, industry mentorships, and international exposure.
The ASHRAE KDU Student Branch aims to inspire innovation and contribute to the HVAC&R industry, positioning KDU as a hub for academic and professional excellence. This initiative signals a bright future for students, fostering a culture of learning and leadership in this dynamic field.