SLIIT strengthens industry network with Annual HR Forum

SLIIT, a highly-networked institute among many foreign universities, is also well-connected with leading companies in Sri Lanka. With the aim of renewing SLIIT’s linkages with over 30 companies and gaining insights into the progress of SLIIT graduates in the work force, the annual HR forum was held for the 6th consecutive year. 

SLIIT organised the HR forum together with its industry partners. Some of the companies that participated were IFS R &D International Ltd., Brandix i3, Virtusa Ltd., MillenniumIT Software Ltd., Pearson Lanka Ltd., WS02, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Aitken Spence Technologies Ltd., Axienta Ltd., Mobitel Ltd., Hayleys Business Solutions International Ltd., Zone 24x7, MAS Holdings Ltd., Sanken Constructions Ltd., David Peiris Motor Company and National Development Bank PLC. 

Under the theme ‘Skills for the World of Work’, a panel discussion was held to discuss the industry expectations from an undergraduate and the steps taken by SLIIT to produce graduates ready to serve the nation. 

The President of the SLIIT Alumni Association also shared the benefits received as a student whilst at SLIIT and the measures taken by the association to build a greater alumni network. 

Along with the industry partners, Prof. Chandana Perera (Dean – Faculty of Business), Prof. Saman Thilakasiri (Dean – Faculty of Engineering), Prof. Koliya Pulasinghe (Dean – Faculty of Computing), Prof. Kithsiri Liyanage (Dean – Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research) and Prof. Lakshman Ratnayake (Chairman, SLIIT) participated in the panel discussion. 

“I take this opportunity to thank all the companies which have come forward to collaborate with us. As a higher education institute, it is our responsibility to conduct forums of this manner. We not only get to strengthen our relationships with the various industries but we also get to understand the industry expectations. The forum is an ideal platform for us to obtain valuable feedback and hence through the responses received, it helps us to groom our students,” commented Prof.Koliya Pulasinghe. 

At SLIIT, students are offered enhanced support in career guidance to help them find internships and employment. A special career guidance unit is formed at SLIIT, to provide students with information on career pathways, industry trends and offer workshops in CV writing, facing interviews and preparing cover letters. 

Companies such as ZILLIONe, Auxenta and zMessenger Ltd. have already partnered with SLIIT to conduct in house internship programs, knowledge sharing workshops and training programs. The Career Guidance unit serves as platform for students to meet prospective employers through events such as SLIIT Career Day and the HR Forum.