IIHE successfully concludes 2017 graduation ceremony

By Asnah Anver

The Imperial Institute of Higher Education (IIHE) held its graduation ceremony recently, for the students of its University of Wales affiliated undergraduate and postgraduate programs. British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives James Dauris  was present at the ceremony, as Chief Guest. Guests of Honour included University of Wales Moderator for affiliated study centre Dr. Steven Longdon, University of Wales External Examiner David Chelsey, and IIHE Director Priyantha Fernando. Also in attendance were board members, lecturers, the faculty members and staff of IIHE.

The graduation ceremony for the year 2017 saw 70 graduates being conferred with the prestigious and globally recognised qualifications from the University of Wales. This included 31 Bsc (Hons) Business Management graduates, 37 Master of Business Administration graduates and two postgraduate diploma students. Of the Bsc (Hons) graduates, Ajjanthaney Kadthirgamanathan was awarded the gold medal for the year 2016 August semester while Muhammadh Ridhwan Shaheen Rahaman was awarded the gold medal for the year 2017 January semester, while Pasan Gunathilake was the MBA gold medallist.

Chief Guest, James Dauris stated that the occasion was a celebration of the education affiliations between Sri Lanka and Britain. “It is also a particular pleasure for me to be with you because today’s ceremony is also a celebration of the success and importance of the educational links that the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka enjoy. It is obviously an opportunity to particularly celebrate the now longstanding link between IIHE and the University of Wales. But more widely it is a chance for us to think about and celebrate the success of the educational and professional qualifications and associations that has linked our two countries for a long time,” Duaris stated. 

Dauris added that the graduates were in an exciting position, in an exciting country, at an exciting time, where they can drive the global growth of the country and be one of its greatest assets. “There is little doubt that emerging and developing countries like Sri Lanka and many others will be increasingly important in driving global growth in the medium term around the world. And you, educated young Sri Lankans with aspirations and ambitions for the future and the education and training to make the most of them, are one of Sri Lanka’s greatest assets too.” 

Dauris advised the graduates that as leaders, they need to act and stand for core values such as honesty, integrity, respect, professional and ethical behaviour, being environmentally aware and staying true to the right values to make the country and their businesses strong. “When we get our values and our leadership right we are well on the way to being strong ourselves and to making our communities strong, our companies strong and our countries strong,” he stated.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. Steven Longdon focused on perseverance to overcome limitations in his speech. “Sometimes it is other people that hold us back from fulfilling our potential. Sometimes it can be our selves; our own self limiting assumptions,” Longdon stated. Drawing from his own personal experiences to cite examples where he had overcome limitations to achieve what was considered impossible by experts, Dr. Longdon encouraged students to practice and believe in themselves, stating, “Don’t limit yourself. Believe in yourself, that you can do it.” Dr. Longdon also noted the importance of encouragement in this process: “It is very important that you look out for the talent of others and encourage them as well. If you’ve been encouraged you encourage.” 

Delivering the welcome address, IIHE Director Education Dr. Thilaka S. Weerakoon noted that the graduation ceremony is one of the most memorable events in a scholar’s life. He urged the graduates to start contemplating life’s purpose and be selfless in their professional and personal lives to ensure inner happiness in all of their contribution to society. Dr. Weerakoon spoke on the importance of an integrated education, stating, “Education is not only the pursuit of work related knowledge and skills to facilitate a comfortable lifestyle for yourself and your family. The educational journey from kindergarten to university should provide an integrated knowledge and skills for employability without forgetting the ultimate objective of transforming the persons to be good selfless human beings.” Dr. Weerakoon further stated, “I believe that life’s purpose and the journey you are all beginning should be to make yourself happy and content whilst improving the quality of the lives of others around you.”

MBA Faculty Member Dr. Ajith Collonne also addressed the gathering, providing words of wisdom to the new graduates on what it means to be successful. Speaking from his professional experiences, Dr. Collonne identified positive thinking and self-confidence as well as strategic thinking as vital for success. However Dr. Collonne added, “Most attribute success only to the financial dimension, but you need to have a broader understanding of what success is.” Dr. Collonne also spoke on the importance of knowledge and learning. “Learning is a continuous process in your life.  The acquisition of knowledge has become a lifelong process today.” Furthermore,the importance of perseverance, determination and endurance as key strengths were also stressed as was the need for discipline. It was concluded that “success is not a destination, it is the voyage.”

The valedictorian, MBA Gold Medalist Pasan Gunathilake, delivering the Vote of Thanks stated that IIHE degrees are highly recognised amongst the corporates, businesses and industry in Sri Lanka and provides a well-rounded education. “I personally found that the management programmes at the University of Wales gives a major thrust, developing the personality and attitude of students,” Gunathilake stated. His message to the graduating batch was to remember that they were graduates from a top class institute and that it was essential to represent the institution well and retain its pride and position.

The convocation which was held at the BMICH bore testimony to IIHE’s commitment to mould and produce top notch graduates who can contribute to the success of their organisations and the business landscape of the country. For more details on the Institute’s degree programs contact 0772226666/ or visit the website on www.iihe.lk.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara