The University of Sri Jayewardenepura announced the appointment of its distinguished alumnus Prof. Patrick Mendis as a Distinguished Visiting Professor and Honorary Fellow in December 2024.

A pioneer in education, diplomacy and leadership, Prof. Mendis serves as a Presidential Advisor to the United States Department of Defense and has been recognized for his global contributions to academia and public service.

Born in Polonnaruwa, Prof. Mendis was educated at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the University of Minnesota and Harvard University.

Professor Mendis currently serves as the Presidential Advisor on National Security Education at the United States Department of Defense – an appointment made by the Biden White House with the approval of the United States Congress. A former U.S. Commissioner to UNESCO during the Obama and Trump administrations, Professor Mendis served as a U.S. diplomat and military professor in NATO and the Indo-Pacific Command during the Clinton and Bush administrations.

A first-class BSc honors graduate in Business Administration and Economics from the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, Professor Mendis has a long and established record of scholarship and leadership. While at Palugasdamana Maha Vidyalaya, Polonnaruwa, he received the first UNESCO Young Scout Award, served as a Sergeant in the Police Cadet Corps, and became the best commanding officer in the Army Cadet Corps of Sri Lanka.

With a national reputation as an athlete and excellent A-level results, Professor Mendis won the American Field Service (AFS) scholarship from over 100,000 applicants. Professor Mendis attended Perham High School in Minnesota during his gap year and joined the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 1979.

At the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Professor Mendis served as the founding Secretary General of the World University Service (WUS) and Chairman of the University Sports Council, winning annual awards for swimming, running and badminton. As Secretary General of WUS, he initiated a monthly lecture series and invited prominent leaders and experts to the university.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Senior Professor Patmalal Manage, said: “We are honoured to have such a world-class educator and award-winning diplomat so closely associated with our University. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Patrick Mendis Award, which is presented annually to the best student in the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce.”

Professor Chandana Gunathilaka, former Acting Dean and Head of the Finance Division of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, expressed his gratitude for Professor Mendis’ continued support, which is testament to the University’s leadership in fostering management education and global citizenship.

“Professor Patrick Mendis is an embodiment of excellence and global leadership. His remarkable journey from a brilliant student at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to a respected advisor in the United States is a testament to the values ​​and education that our university offers. His continued support, particularly through the Patrick Mendis Prize, has inspired students to boldly pursue their dreams. As a Head of Department, I am extremely proud to celebrate one of our own who excels in academics and exemplifies the spirit of giving back to society on a global scale.”

Before becoming a naturalized United States citizen, Professor Mendis represented Sri Lanka as the first Youth Ambassador to the United Nations in New York. Sri Lanka has indeed taken immense pride in his government service under five American presidents in Washington and American military bases in Europe and Asia. It all started at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, explained Professor Gunathilaka.

In recognition of his continued contributions to Sri Lanka, the United States, and the United Nations, the Sri Lanka Foundation of California presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In recognition of Professor Mendis as a global leader in higher education and international diplomacy, Who’s Who in America in New York presented him with its most prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.