Graduate Entrepreneur 2026

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.