General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) hosted the launch of Beyond Rank: The Leadership and Legacy of Major General Milinda Peiris on 25 August 2026. The book presents the life, leadership, and lasting contributions of Major General Milinda Peiris (Retd.), former Vice Chancellor of KDU.    Written by Kithsiri Amaratunga and published by Vijitha Yapa Publications, the book traces Major General Peiris’ journey from his early life and military career to battlefield leadership, diplomacy, and higher education. It provides an account of the experiences and values that shaped his career and approach to leadership.    The launch brought together a distinguished gathering of guests from the defence, academic, diplomatic, and public sectors. The guests included General Gerry de Silva, the Chief Guest; Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke; Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage; Army Commander Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne; IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya; General Shantha Kottegoda, Chancellor of KDU; and Rear Admiral Dhammika Kumara, Vice Chancellor of KDU.    Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the defence services, members of the diplomatic community, academics, and other distinguished guests also attended the event.    Beyond Rank goes beyond a traditional account of a military career. It explores Major General Peiris’ experiences in military service, battlefield leadership, diplomacy, and higher education. The book also highlights the values that guided his leadership, including courage, resilience, integrity, compassion, gratitude, and a strong commitment to service.    A key focus of the book is Major General Peiris’ contribution to the growth and transformation of KDU. During his tenure, the university expanded from two wings to 11 faculties. His leadership also contributed to the academic development of the university and its progress towards greater national and international recognition.    Through the story of one distinguished career, Beyond Rank offers valuable insights into leadership, institutional development, and service to the nation. Beyond Rank reminds readers that positions and ranks may change, but meaningful contributions can create a legacy.    The launch of the book at KDU therefore serves not only as a celebration of Major General Peiris’ life and achievements but also as a recognition of his enduring contribution to the development of the university and the wider field of higher education.    Saegis Campus extends its warmest wishes to Major General Milinda Peiris for continued success in all his future endeavours. 

The Saegis International Research Conference (SIRC) 2026 was successfully held on 30 July 2026 at Saegis Campus, bringing together researchers, academics and scholars from various disciplines and institutions to share knowledge, present contemporary research, and engage in meaningful scholarly dialogue.   A key highlight of the conference was the Keynote Address delivered by Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga, which provided an insightful academic perspective and set the intellectual tone for the conference. The programme also featured a Plenary Panel Discussion involving distinguished academics from Sri Lanka and India. The panel comprised Professor Dr. Seema Sharma of Assam down town University, India; Professor Rangana Shalika of Sabaragamuwa University; Professor Lasith Gunawardana of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura; and Dr. Romola Rassol of PGIE, The Open University of Sri Lanka, with the discussion moderated by Mr. R. M. Wijewardhana of the University of Ruhuna.   The SIRC 2026 Conference Proceedings booklet has been published online, providing a formal scholarly record of the research presented at the conference held on 30 July 2026. The proceedings feature research papers selected through a double-blind peer-review process, reflecting the multidisciplinary scope and academic quality of the conference. With an ISSN, the proceedings represent an important contribution to the dissemination and visibility of research undertaken by local and international scholars. The publication also strengthens the research profile of Saegis Campus and provides a valuable academic resource for researchers, academics and students. Selected papers are further considered for publication in the Saegis Multidisciplinary Journal.   The conference further strengthened the international academic partnerships of Saegis Campus through collaboration with Canterbury Christ Church University, UK, and Assam down town University, India. It also provided an important platform for research dissemination, academic networking, and future collaborative research.   SIRC 2026 marked a significant milestone in the continuing development of the research culture, academic excellence, and international scholarly engagement of Saegis Campus.

The Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Saegis Campus organized a workshop on “Sustainability Practices in Hotel Operations.” The theme was “Building Responsible Hospitality for a Greener Tomorrow.” The event took place on 17 February 2026 at the 8th Floor Auditorium. The Tourism Club of Saegis Campus organized the program. The aim was to improve students’ understanding of sustainability in the hotel industry.   Mr. Pasindu Weerasinghe, Sustainability Executive at Sofia Colombo City Hotel, conducted the session. He shared practical knowledge about how hotels use sustainable practices in daily operations. He used real examples and case studies to share his expertise. Students learned about environmental care, saving resources, waste management, energy saving, and community involvement. These help hotels protect the environment while still giving good service to guests.   The workshop helped students connect classroom learning with real industry practice. They discussed current trends in sustainability and green practices used by leading hotels. They also learned how hotels reduce environmental damage through better operations. The discussions encouraged students to think about the future of the hospitality industry and the need for responsible practices.   Sustainability is becoming very important in tourism and hospitality. This workshop showed Saegis Campus’s commitment to industry-focused education. It also helped prepare students to become responsible professionals who support a greener and more sustainable future in hospitality.

The Department of Management at Saegis Campus recently organised an educational field visit to Aliya Resort & Spa and Ayurvie Sigiriya for students of THM Batch 02 and THM Batch 03. The visit provided valuable industry exposure and practical learning opportunities that complemented classroom instruction.   Students explored key operational areas, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage Operations, Kitchen Operations, Spa Management, and Wellness Tourism. Through interactive sessions with industry professionals, they gained practical insights into guest services, room operations, housekeeping standards, food preparation, hygiene practices, and overall resort management.   The visit offered a unique opportunity to experience two distinct hospitality concepts. Aliya Resort & Spa showcased luxury leisure hospitality, while Ayurvie Sigiriya introduced students to wellness tourism, Ayurvedic hospitality, spa operations, and holistic guest experiences.   Students also learned about sustainability initiatives, including Aliya Resort’s paper recycling project, which demonstrated the integration of environmentally responsible practices into hospitality operations. Overall, the visit enhanced students’ industry knowledge and professional awareness, reflecting Saegis Campus’s commitment to experiential learning and career readiness.

Saegis Campus has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and industry relevance through its strategic partnership with the Event Management Association (EMA) of Sri Lanka and Pearson UK to launch the Diploma in International Event Management & Marketing Studies.   The prestigious launch, held at Shangri-La Colombo, marked an important milestone for both Sri Lanka’s event industry and higher education sector. The occasion also celebrated the unveiling of the Sri Lanka Event Calendar, a national platform designed to showcase major events across the country and strengthen Sri Lanka’s visibility as a vibrant destination for culture, business, and tourism.   This transformative collaboration reflects Saegis Campus’s vision of creating future-ready educational pathways that respond directly to industry needs. By joining hands with EMA and Pearson UK, Saegis continues to expand opportunities for students to pursue internationally aligned qualifications while gaining practical exposure through direct engagement with industry professionals and member organizations.   The newly introduced diploma programme is designed to bridge academic theory with real-world practice, equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to excel in the fast-growing global events sector. Through this initiative, Saegis Campus further strengthens its position as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to producing industry-ready graduates who can contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s events and hospitality landscape.   The event was graced by distinguished guests from government, academia, and the professional events community, underscoring the national significance of the initiative. The presence of senior representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development highlighted the importance of event management as a strategic sector with the potential to drive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and cultural promotion.   Speaking at the event, EMA President Mr. Saliya Weerasekera described the launch as a historic moment for the industry, emphasizing the need for collective effort to raise professional standards and create new opportunities for future event professionals. The diploma is expected to play a key role in developing skilled talent for the evolving global events sector.   The partnership was spearheaded by the leadership of Saegis Campus, including Mr. Bandara Dissanayake, Chairman, and Major General Milinda Peiris (Retired), Vice Chancellor & CEO, of Saegis Campus who emphasized the institution’s continued commitment to industry-relevant education and strategic collaboration. The official Memorandum of Understanding was exchanged during the ceremony, formally marking the beginning of this important partnership.   The event also featured a high-level panel discussion moderated by Mr. Roshan Wijeyaratne, with contributions from Major General Milinda Peiris (Retired), Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara, Mr. Nishan Wasalatantri, and Mr. Bathiya Jayakody. Their discussion highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing the event industry, as well as the critical role of education in shaping its future.   Adding further richness to the evening, the programme celebrated Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage through captivating performances inspired by the Kandy Esala Perahera, creating a memorable blend of tradition, creativity, and professional excellence.   For Saegis Campus, this launch represents more than an academic partnership, it is a bold step toward shaping the future of event education in Sri Lanka. With strong industry alliances, globally recognized academic support, and a continued commitment to excellence, Saegis Campus remains at the forefront of transformative education.   Faculty of Management, Humanities and Social Sciences and Career Guidance Unit Saegis Campus.