Next Campus inducts 93 graduates and 21 postgraduates

By Shannine Daniel

Ninety three graduates received MBAs and 21 postgraduates received the Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management at the Next Campus Colombo graduation ceremony held on recently. 

Founded in 2007, Next Campus was set up by a group of professionals who are holding senior management positions in the corporate sector. 

The private university was initiated with the aim of empowering young executives with the knowledge, skills and competencies required for career advancement and personal development.

Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) and NIMS University in India and the International Supply Chain Education (ISCEA) in USA were the awarding bodies conferring the MBAs and the postgraduate diplomas to the Next Campus students. 

The higher education programs available include Master of Business Administration from MGU and NIMS University, BA (Hons) in Business Management from Teesside University, HND in Business Management, ISCEA Post Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management and Supply Chain Certification Programs.

Present at the occasion as Chief Guest was Public Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Eran Wickramaratne and as Guest of Honour was Cormarcom Corporate and Marketing Communication and Leadership Training Consultant Dr. Asoka Jinadasa. 

In his message, Wickramaratne stated that the increasing need for education cannot be met by governments alone and this is where institutes like Next Campus come in, since the Sri Lankan government is committed to providing free education.

“Over the next decade, we need to invest an increasing percentage of GDP in developing human capital. But we also need to recognise that all students need access to higher education, irrespective of whether it originates from the government or the private sector,” asserted Wickramaratne. 

Speaking about the campus the deputy minister said that despite its short history it has been able to prepare students to succeed in achieving corporate goals, and has been successful in delivering higher educational services through connections with top educational institutions in India, UK and USA. 

Addressing the students Wickramaratne said that in terms of truly succeeding academic qualifications are not sufficient, it is important to have wisdom as well. 

“Wisdom is not something that is acquired while studying in a classroom at university. It is not something acquired by reading or studying; it is the ability to translate the knowledge that you have in the situations that you face,” he opined.

Furthermore he emphasised that Sri Lanka needs to recognise the importance of management as a ‘science’ as it is a distinct area of knowledge which is much needed in our country’s society.

“The sooner we recognise it the better. We could make Sri Lanka a much better place,” Wickramaratne affirmed.

“By becoming a graduate you have all proved yourselves of having the capability to lead, govern and transcend, not only in your professional lives but also in your personal lives,” stated Jinadasa in his address to the students. 

“The completion of a post graduate is characterised by more than just the acquisition of knowledge. It also acts as a symbol of your personal discipline, determination and intent to constantly better your selves,” he added.

In conclusion Jinadasa stated that it brings him great pleasure and elation to witness these students complete this defining milestone.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara

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