Kelaniya University enters into a new vista

Friday, 11 March 2011 01:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Carrier Guidance Unit (CGU) of the University of Kelaniya is introducing a novel programme for State universities, converting theory into practical scenario by making the university students job providers instead of merely job seekers of the country, thus changing the hardcore negative perception towards the majority of them as a burden to the country once they are out from the universities.

This unique programme, named ‘Future Entrepreneurs,’ is to be implemented with the support of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and the launch will be held on 14 March 2011 at the Kelaniya University Auditorium with the blessings of Prof. Sarath Amunugama, Vice Chancellor University of Kelaniya and the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka.

Final year students are targeted by this programme from all State universities, irrespective of their stream of study. The main objective is to create future entrepreneurs of their respective field of study such as science, agriculture, engineering, management, etc.

The programme will educate them on the concept of entrepreneurship, enterprise development, marketing in related fields, business and human capital management, legal aspects of business and many other required areas to be aware of by an individual who is aspired to be an entrepreneur.

FCCISL will share their expertise in the entrepreneurship building exercise and facilitate students to listen to the success stories of leading entrepreneurs of the country who are great products of the Sri Lankan university system, of which the students may be unaware.

FCCISL believes that sharing experiences of these business heroes will be a definite energiser and a boost to strongly cultivate the idea of becoming a successful entrepreneur in the country after a few years of university education, which will definitely result in opening up a new era of the State university education.

Many leading entrepreneurs who can be role models of aspiration, success, achievement and resilience have joined hands with FCCISL through its ‘Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year’ awards programme.

About 500 students have given consent to participate at the launch from different universities which is more than expected by the organisers. Fifty students will be selected for further entrepreneurship training and competition based on the business plans submitted by them.

Selected 50 students will be further given opportunity to undergo training on highly practical situations such as legal aspects, working with people, dealing with problems, preparing strategic business plans, sustaining and development of business. They will be covered via workshops, industrial training for experience and exposure and mentorship.

As the second phase and sustainable initiative, CGU of the university and FCCISL plan to start a comprehensive programme with second year students guiding them gradually to craft future entrepreneurship goals and guide them to be skilled in the required background such as obtaining related knowledge through different courses in addition to what they study at present and obtain exposure through interaction with industry leaders.