Graduate Entrepreneur 2024

The "Brain into Business" Grant Award Ceremony 2024, organized by the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), took place on the 20th of December 2024, at the District Secretariat in Colombo .

Accordingly, eight students from the University of Kelaniya were selected through a competitive and rigorous selection process for the grants. The Career Guidance Unit (CGU) of the University of Kelaniya was also recognized and acknowledged for its significant contribution to the "Brain into Business" program conducted by NEDA in 2024.

The event was graced by the Hon. Deputy Minister of Industry & Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Dulith Herath, Founder and Chairman of Kapruka, as the Guest of Honour. The career counsellors of the CGU were also present at the occasion.

The Graduate Entrepreneur Award Winners of the University of Kelaniya include, Mr. K. H. N. Dias and Miss. B. N. Ishara Thilakarathna from the Faculty of Science, Miss. A. P. S. M. Lakmali and Miss. A. W. Nujani Piumika from the Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies, Ms. Gihani Dilusha and Ms. U. K. Sujani Manel from the Faculty of Humanities, and Mr. W. M. P. D. Umesha, Mr. W. P. R. Sampath and Mr. D. G. R. D. Karunasinghe from the Faculty of Social Science.

The Graduate Entrepreneur Exhibition & Sale (GEES) 2024, organized for the second time by the Career Guidance Unit (CGU) and the Entrepreneurship Club of the University of Kelaniya was held on the 6th of November 2024, at the CGU premises.

The main aim of GEES 2024 was to provide a dynamic platform for student entrepreneurs and those involved in small businesses, by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. The event inspired and motivated participants to transform their creative ideas and skills into sustainable businesses. Additionally, it offered emerging entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their innovations, connect with potential customers, and gain valuable marketplace exposure. The event featured 42 talented student entrepreneurs who proudly showcased their unique products.

The event was graced by the participation of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, as the Chief Guest.

Present at the occasion were Senior Professor Dilkushi Wettewe, Director of the Career Guidance Unit; Senior Professor S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; Prof. Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Senior Lecturer Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Ms. A. A. D. C. N. Amarasinghe, Divisional Secretary, Kelaniya; Ms.W. T. R. Chandima, Chairman/Director General of the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA); Mr. Dhanuka Liyanagamage, Director of NEDA; Ms. Bhagya Nakandala, Enterprise Promotion Officer of NEDA; Ms. W.A.D.S.P.Withanaarachchi, Enterprise Development Officer of the Divisional Secretariat, Kelaniya; Mr. K. A. M. Viraj Abeysinghe, Career Counsellor of the University of Kelaniya; Mrs. R. P. A. Minoon Perera, Career Counsellor of the University of Kelaniya; members of the organizing Committee of the Entrepreneurship Club; and academic and non-academic staff and students of the university.

The Career Guidance Unit at the University of Kelaniya initiated “The Graduate Entrepreneurship Club” on the 24th of January 2024 at the Career Guidance Unit Auditorium, University of Kelaniya. This groundbreaking program aimed to furnish graduates with a comprehensive platform to independently develop entrepreneurial skills, thereby preparing them for success in today’s dynamic business environment. An impressive total of 47 enthusiastic participants are poised to engage in the club, underscoring the fervent interest among graduates in augmenting their entrepreneurial acumen. The event featured insightful keynote sessions by Mr. Tharaka Amarasena, Head of Academics at CSE and Council Member of RUSL, and Ms. Princy Withanarachchi, Enterprise Development Officer at NEDA. Both speakers shared their wealth of knowledge on entrepreneurship and its practical applications. Mr. Indika Pushpakumara and Ms. A.P. Samadhi Malsha Lakmali inspired students by presenting their success stories as graduate entrepreneurs from the University of Kelaniya. Following the sessions, members selected their committee for the year 2024. The newly elected committee members are President: M.G.T.N. Chandrarathne (Faculty of Science), Secretary: H.M. Gihani Dilusha (Faculty of Social Sciences), Junior Treasurer: Indika Pushpakumara (Faculty of Commerce & Management), Organizer: Yasitha Ravihansa (Faculty of Science) and Editor: Shehan Hansaka (Faculty of Humanities). Executive Committee Members are Nilakshi Nanayakkara (Faculty of Commerce & Management), D.G.R.D. Karunasinghe (Faculty of Social Sciences), Hasitha Nuwan (Faculty of Science), U.M. Bandara, and D.A.I. Dilhara Samaraweera (Faculty of Humanities). This initiative set the stage for a year of growth and collaboration within ‘The Graduate Entrepreneurship Club’ at the University of Kelaniya.