Graduate Entrepreneur 2026

Graduate Entrepreneur Exhibition & Sale (GEES) 2026

The Graduate Entrepreneur Exhibition & Sale (GEES) 2026, organized by the Career Guidance Unit (CGU) of the University of Kelaniya in partnership with the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) and the Rotaract Club of the University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on 3rd June 2026 at the university premises.  Marking its fourth consecutive year, GEES remains a flagship entrepreneurial initiative that enables undergraduates to showcase their innovations, gain market exposure, and develop their business potential.

The exhibition brought together 32 undergraduate entrepreneurs from diverse academic disciplines, each showcasing products and services developed through their own entrepreneurial initiatives. The exhibition featured a wide variety of offerings, ranging from handcrafted products and creative artworks to food-based enterprises, digital solutions, eco-conscious products, and wellness-related innovations. 

The event was graced by the presence of Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, who attended as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included Senior Professor Priyani Paranagama, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; Professor K. G. H. Dhammika Weerasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology; Professor W. A. P. J. Premaratne, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor Chaminda Abeysinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; and Senior Professor Dilkushi Senaratne, Director of the Career Guidance Unit.

Representing the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) were Mr Dhanuka Liyanagamage, Director of NEDA; Ms Kasunika Gayani, Enterprise Promotion Officer – IT; and Ms W. A. D. S. Princy Withanaarachchi, Enterprise Development Officer attached to the Divisional Secretariat, Kelaniya. The event was also attended by Mr K. A. M. Viraj Abeysinghe and Mrs R. P. A. Minoon Perera, Career Counsellors of the University of Kelaniya; members of the Rotaract Club Organizing Committee, academic and non-academic staff members, and a large number of students, whose participation contributed to the success of the exhibition.

GEES 2026 successfully highlighted the entrepreneurial capabilities of University of Kelaniya students while fostering a culture of innovation, self-employment, and enterprise development. The exhibition reinforced the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employment-ready but also equipped to become future business creators, innovators, and leaders who contribute meaningfully to national economic development.

The Inauguration Session of the “Brain into Business” - Graduate Entrepreneur Program 2026 was successfully held on 19 May 2026 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. The program is annually organized by the Career Guidance Unit (CGU) of the University of Kelaniya in collaboration with the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) with the objective of promoting entrepreneurship among undergraduates.

Accordingly, the program is scheduled to be conducted on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of May 2026. The three-day program comprises several important sessions, including entrepreneurial training sessions, business proposal writing workshops, proposal evaluation sessions, and a grant awarding session.

The primary objective of this initiative is to empower undergraduates to become self-employed while equipping them with the essential knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills required to become successful entrepreneurs. More than forty registered undergraduates participated in the training sessions. The program continues to serve as a significant platform for promoting youth entrepreneurship and enhancing graduate employability through practical and skill-oriented learning experiences.

Meanwhile, 25 previous grant winners from the University of Kelaniya shared their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys and valuable real-life experiences, providing motivation and guidance to the participants.

The event was graced by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, as the chief guest. Also present at the occasion were Senior Professor Dilkushi Wettewe, Director of the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Kelaniya; Mr Dhanuka Liyanagamage, Director of NEDA; Mr W. V. S. D. Udayanga, Enterprise Promotion Assistant of NEDA; Ms Kasunika Gayani, Enterprise Promotion Officer - IT of NEDA; Ms W. A. D. S. Princy Withanaarachchi, Enterprise Development Officer of the Divisional Secretariat, Kelaniya; Ms W. K. Senasinghe, Enterprise Development Officer of the Divisional Secretariat, Attanagalla; Ms K. A. D. I. S. Nanayakkara, Enterprise Development Officer, Wattala; Academic coordinators of the CGU; and Mr K. A. M. Viraj Abeysinghe and Ms R. P. A. Minoon Perera, Career Counsellors of the University of Kelaniya.