CGU News

Career Fair UoK 2026 Kicks Off with First Open Day

The Career Fair 2026 of the University of Kelaniya commenced with its first Open Day on 2nd February 2026 at the Social Sciences Auditorium. The event was organized by the Career Guidance Unit in collaboration with affiliated student clubs - Rotaract, Leo Club, LED, and Gavel.

The first workshop of the Open Day was conducted by MAS Holdings under the theme ‘Essential Workplace Skills for Future Professionals and MAS Culture.’ The session was led by Ms Sandamali Ranasinghe, Deputy General Manager – Talent Attraction and Acquisition, MAS Holdings Group. The second workshop was conducted by North Sails titled on ‘Adapting to Rapid Change in the Corporate Landscape and North Sails Culture’ and it was led by Ms Awanthi Gunathilaka, Executive – Talent Acquisition, North Sails.

The event was graced by Senior Professor Dilkushi Wettewe, Director of the Career Guidance Unit, University of Kelaniya, along with Mr K. A. M. Viraj Abeysinghe and Mrs R. P. A. Mynoon Perera, Career Counsellors of the University. In addition to the workshops, on-the-spot interviews were conducted by industry professionals from MAS Holdings and North Sails, with over 300 students actively participating. The Open Day successfully provided undergraduates with valuable internship opportunities at both companies, marking a strong beginning to Career Fair UoK 2026.

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Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2025

The Career Guidance Unit (CGU) of the University of Kelaniya achieved remarkable success at the Ceremony of Long Service Awards and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2025, held on 1 January 2026 at the Sri Dharmaloka Hall of the University. Senior Professor Dilkushi Senaratne , Director of the Career Guidance Unit, was honored as the ‘Most Successful Director of a Center/Unit/Committee’ for the fifth consecutive year (2021–2025).

“Brain into Business” – NEDA Grant Awards 2025

The “Brain into Business” Grant Awards Ceremony 2025, organized by the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), was held on 19 December 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) – Ruby Hall.Through a highly competitive and rigorous evaluation process, six outstanding students from the University of Kelaniya were selected as grant recipients.

A special address was delivered by Mr. D. G. R. D. Karunasinghe from the Faculty of Social Sciences, UoK, who shared his entrepreneurial journey and experiences as a previous award recipient of the “Brain into Business” Grant Awards 2024.

The ceremony was graced by Hon. Sunil Hadunneththi, Minister of Industries & Entrepreneurship Development, as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Lakshman Abeysekera, Chairman and Director General of NEDA, attended as the Guest of Honour.Senior Professor Dilkushi Senaratne, Director of the Career Guidance Unit, represented the University of Kelaniya, accompanied by Career Counsellor Mrs. R. P. A. Minoon Perera. Senior Professor Dilkushi Senaratne also delivered a special address, highlighting the role of Career Guidance Units in state universities in nurturing entrepreneurial competencies among undergraduates. The Graduate Entrepreneur Award winners from the University of Kelaniya are Mr. W. W. A. D. Sandaruwan, Mr. C. C. R. A. Figurado, Mr. L. H. G. Gunawardhana, and Mr. T. S. M. Fernando from the Faculty of Science; Mr. Imeth Sansilu Wijayarathna from the Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies; Mr. B. G. Dhanesh Madhushanka from the Faculty of Social Sciences; and Mr. S. B. Ashan Piyumantha Samarakoon from the Faculty of Computing & Technology. This achievement reflects the continued commitment of the University of Kelaniya to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry readiness among undergraduates, while highlighting the pivotal role of the Career Guidance Unit in guiding students from ideation to enterprise development.

Workshop on CV writing and Interview Facing

A Workshop on CV Writing and Interview Facing Skills was successfully held on 18 December 2025 at the Auditorium of the Career Guidance Unit, University of Kelaniya. The programme was organised by the Career Guidance Unit in collaboration with the LEO Club of the University of Kelaniya.The workshop aimed to equip undergraduates with essential skills in effective CV writing and successful interview preparation, thereby enhancing their employability and career readiness.

The session was led by Mr. Kavindu Fernando, Senior Talent Acquisition Professional, who shared valuable industry insights, real-world examples, and effective strategies for career success.The event attracted 48 enthusiastic undergraduates and was graced by the presence of Mr. K. A. M. Viraj Abeysinghe and Mrs. R. P. A. Minoon Perera, Career Counsellors of the University of Kelaniya. The Youth Talent Avenue of the LEO Club played a pivotal role in the success of the programme, demonstrating outstanding commitment, teamwork, and organisational excellence.

Graduate Entrepreneur Exhibition & Sale (GEES) – 2025

The Graduate Entrepreneur Exhibition & Sale (GEES) 2025, organized by the Career Guidance Unit (CGU) of the University of Kelaniya in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Club, was successfully held on the 26th of November 2025 at the CGU premises. Marking its third consecutive year, the exhibition has become a signature platform that supports and celebrates the entrepreneurial aspirations of undergraduates. It continues to encourage practical innovation, creativity, and market readiness among students.

This year’s exhibition featured 44 talented student entrepreneurs who presented a wide range of unique and innovative products. The participants represented several sectors, including sustainable crafts, food innovations, handmade lifestyle products, digital creations, wellness items, and eco-friendly solutions. Their stalls created an interactive and vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the enthusiasm and commitment of young entrepreneurs. Adding further value to the event, a group of school students also joined GEES 2025 and presented their own creations to the university community, providing an encouraging platform for early entrepreneurial development.

GEES 2025 aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university. The event provided students with hands-on exposure to real business settings and allowed them to engage directly with customers. Participants received valuable market feedback, explored networking opportunities, and gained confidence in presenting their products. The exhibition also encouraged idea-sharing, peer learning, and practical discussions on business development. These experiences helped students refine their entrepreneurial skills and business strategies.

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. Also present were Senior Professor S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Senior Professor Dilkushi Senaratne, Director of the Career Guidance Unit; and Ms. J. A. D. G. S Ranasinghe, Divisional Secretary of Kelaniya.

Representing the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) were Mr. Dhanuka Liyanagamage, Director of NEDA; Dr. Saminda Ranathunga, Deputy Director, Industrial Development Board (IDB); Ms. Pavithra Weerathunga, Industrial Development Board; and Ms. Oshani Bodhiwansa, Assistant Director (IT) NEDA. Also in attendance were Ms. W. A. D. S. P. Withanaarachchi, Enterprise Development Officer of the Divisional Secretariat, Kelaniya; Mr. K. A. M. Viraj Abeysinghe and Mrs. R. P. A. Minoon Perera, Career Counsellors of the University of Kelaniya; members of the Entrepreneurship Club Organizing Committee; and a large number of academic and non-academic staff and students.

GEES 2025 concluded as a successful initiative that showcased the creativity and innovation of undergraduate entrepreneurs. It also strengthened the university’s mission to promote entrepreneurship as a meaningful and achievable career path. The event reaffirmed the University of Kelaniya’s commitment to empowering students with the skills and opportunities needed for future business and leadership roles as entrepreneurs.

Senior Prof. Chamindi Dilkushi Senaratne Wins Silver at National Educator Awards 2025

We are immensely proud to announce that our esteemed Director, Senior Professor Chamindi Dilkushi Senaratne, (Wettewe) been honored with the Silver Award under the category of Higher Education – Language and Literature at the National Educator Awards 2025 ceremony, held on 26th November 2025 at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Lanka. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Senior Professor Dilkushi Senaratne's (Wettewe) dedication, scholarship, and profound contribution to the field of Language and Literature within higher education. Join us in extending our warmest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! Her leadership continues to inspire the entire University of Kelaniya community.

Team Career Fair 2026 Appointed

The Career Fair 2026 team officially received their letters of appointment from the Director of the Career Guidance Unit (CGU), Senior Professor Dikushi Wettewe at the CGU auditorium on September 08, 2025. The committee, composed of student leaders from clubs affiliated with the CGU, aims to foster leadership skills among undergraduates and encourage active participation in university events. The Career Fair 2026 is anticipated to be a flagship event, providing undergraduates with valuable opportunities for career development and industry engagement.

The President of the Rotaract Club, Himantha Sayuru, Chair of Career Fair UoK 2026 and Co-Chair of Industry Coordination. Sadavi Kuruwitaarachchige, President of AIESEC, will serve as the Co-Chair, Public Relations. Jinadari Ranawaka, President of the Gavel Club, was named Co-Chair, Editorial. Janidu Wijesundara, President of the Leo Club, will act as Co-Chair of Logistics. Lastly, Dulanga Thennakoon,President of the LED Club, was appointed as Co-Chair, External Coordination.

Inauguration Session of the "Brain into Business" - Graduate Entrepreneur Program 2025

The Inauguration Session of the "Brain into Business" - Graduate Entrepreneur Program 2025 was held on the 1st of July 2025 at the Auditorium of the Career Guidance Unit (CGU), University of Kelaniya. The CGU of the University of Kelaniya annually conducts the Graduate Entrepreneur Program in collaboration with the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) with the aim of fostering entrepreneurship among undergraduates.

Accordingly, the program is scheduled to be held on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of July 2025 at the CGU Auditorium of the University of Kelaniya. The program includes several sessions, such as training sessions, proposal writing sessions, proposal evaluation sessions, and a grant awarding session.

The main intention of conducting this program is to empower undergraduates to be self-employed and also to train them in essential skills required to be successful entrepreneurs. More than thirty registered undergraduates participated in the training session. This program continues to be a significant step in promoting youth entrepreneurship and enhancing graduate employability through practical, skill-based learning opportunities.

Meanwhile, Ms. U. K. Sujani Manel, Mr. W. P. R. Sampath (Healthy Rich Soya Products), and Mr. D. G. R. D. Karunasinghe (Online Thoga Kade), the NEDA Grant Winners of 2024, shared their personal journeys to success and they provided valuable insights from their real-life experiences on becoming successful entrepreneurs.

Present at the occasion were Mr. Dhanuka Liyanagamage, the Director of the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA); Ms. Bhagya Nakandala, Enterprise Promotion Officer 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. R. M. A. J. Kumari, District Enterprise Development Officer, District Secretariat Office, Gampaha; Ms. W. H. T. R. Priyanthi, Enterprise Development Officer of the Divisional Secretariat, Mahara; Mr. K. A. M. Viraj Abeysinghe, Career Counsellor of the University of Kelaniya; and Mrs. R. P. A. Minoon Perera, Career Counsellor of the University of Kelaniya.

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