VirtusaPolaris, Citibank and Unilever Sri Lanka launch International Summer Program

AMCHAM supported Summer Program targets Sri Lankan students studying abroad

VirtusaPolaris, Citibank and Unilever Sri Lanka, have combined forces with the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) to launch the International Summer Program (ISP) as a channel for attracting bright, young, Sri Lankan talent to their organisations. This summer program is targeted at Sri Lankan students who are studying in universities abroad and will offer a structured, six-week program that will allow them to gain hands-on experience at three premier corporates in Sri Lanka.

The program, which is in its third successful year, will include induction sessions at all three companies and a focused project for four weeks in one of the companies, culminating in a presentation to a joint panel from the three organisations. During the program, students will also get the opportunity to develop themselves through personality and professional skill-building sessions and will get to interact with industry leaders and diplomats. They will also be involved in a fund raising initiative for a charity supported by AmCham, building on the commitment of all three companies to be responsible corporate citizens.

Citibank Country Human Resources Officer Samara Gunasekera said, “Citi’s key strength lies in its employees and the value they create. It is important for us to continuously and consciously attract, sustain and retain individuals with high potential who would contribute to Citi’s success. It is with this objective that Citi is partnering this International Summer Program.” She further mentioned that the valuable experience the interns would receive through this program will increase their knowledge while expanding their skills and aligning with their professional expectations. This will also allow the companies to benefit from fresh ideas that the interns may bring through their innovative and out-of-the-box thinking. 

Unilever Sri Lanka Director of Human Resources and Corporate Relations Sameer Nagarajan said, “At Unilever, we believe that it is our responsibility to develop our country’s talent to become the next generation of corporate leaders. Having studied abroad, these students present a unique opportunity to add rich experience and perspective to our talent pool. Given the opportunity to experience the world-class workplaces and wide range of expertise and opportunities that Unilever Sri Lanka, Citibank and VirtusaPolaris collectively have to offer, we hope these bright young minds will choose to return to and work in Sri Lanka after graduating, bringing the skills, knowledge and global exposure they have acquired through their education, back into the country.” 

VirtusaPolaris  Senior Director of Human Resources Chandi Dharmaratne expressing her views on the program said, “VirtusaPolaris is indeed pleased to be a part of this internship program which blends harmoniously with our ongoing student engagement initiatives. The International Summer Program offers Sri Lankan students studying abroad a rare opportunity to work with three global players and gain invaluable real-world exposure. At VirtusaPolaris, we offer an environment that values technological innovation, respects integrity, and stimulates enthusiasm. Working on projects that truly challenge and stimulate the mind, students will get a chance to interact with our diverse, multi-cultural teams spread across the globe. Further, with extraordinary growth opportunities across technologies and continents, the ISP would be a great first step towards a long, rewarding career at VirtusaPolaris. It is truly fulfilling to see previous ISP candidates now holding significant roles at VirtusaPolaris and other leading organisations in Sri Lanka.”

“AmCham is delighted to partner with VirtusaPolaris, Citibank and Unilever Sri Lanka on this unique program. Most Sri Lankan children travel overseas for their higher studies and this initiative will help us to not only give these children an opportunity to experience global companies’ innovation and best practices, but to also see the potential Sri Lanka has to offer, giving them sufficient incentive to return to Sri Lanka on completion of their education,” stated American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka President Asanka Ratnayake.

Prospective applicants can find more information about the program through the AmChamwebsite http://www.amcham.lk and the application process will also be hosted in the same manner. To access the application and further details, please visit www.internationalsummerProgram.com