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Sep 10 2024
Promoting Green Entrepreneurship: The Director, CGU Speaks at ECOBIZ 2024

On May 21, 2024, Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya, hosted its Commerce Day event, themed “ECOBIZ 2024,” with Dr. Kalpana Ambepitiya, Director of the Career Guidance Unit, as the Chief Guest. The event focused on the critical topic of green entrepreneurship and the environmental responsibility we all share.

In her speech, Dr Ambepitiya emphasized the importance of green entrepreneurship, which is centred on creating businesses that have a positive impact on the environment. She highlighted how these entrepreneurs are at the forefront of innovation, developing solutions that reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote sustainability. Dr Ambepitiya discussed how eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy, sustainable materials, and minimizing carbon footprints, are essential for creating products and services that meet consumer needs while protecting the planet.

Dr. Ambepitiya also addressed the importance of environmental responsibility at an individual level, particularly for schoolchildren. She encouraged the adoption of sustainable habits, such as practising the three R’s—reduce, reuse, and recycle—conserving energy and water, and using sustainable transportation methods. These habits not only contribute to environmental preservation but also lay the groundwork for future green entrepreneurial ventures.

She urged the students to support eco-friendly products, stay informed about environmental issues, and share their knowledge with others. By integrating these habits into their daily lives, they can actively contribute to a more sustainable future and potentially inspire others to pursue green entrepreneurship.

ECOBIZ 2024 was a significant event that left a lasting impact, inspiring students to think green and act responsibly for the betterment of the planet.

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Sep 10 2024
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: A Focus on Commerce Day at Good Shepherd Convent, Kandy

On June 11, 2024, Good Shepherd Convent, Kandy, celebrated its Commerce Day with the theme “Women Entrepreneurship” under the title Preneuria 2024. The event featured a guest speech delivered by Dr Kalpana Ambepitiya, Director of the Career Guidance Unit, who highlighted the crucial role women entrepreneurs play in shaping the economy.

In her speech, Dr. Ambepitiya underscored the historical significance of women in entrepreneurship, noting their remarkable ability to overcome barriers and establish successful businesses. She emphasized that these women have not only contributed to economic growth but have also driven innovation, created job opportunities, and promoted social change through their entrepreneurial ventures.

The event highlighted the vital role women entrepreneurs play in Sri Lanka, demonstrating resilience and ingenuity across various sectors. Their unique perspectives and skills enhance market diversity and are pivotal in driving the country’s economic development. Dr Ambepitiya emphasized that by empowering women in business, Sri Lanka can unlock significant untapped potential, fostering greater gender equality and boosting overall economic progress.

She also stressed that encouraging more women to participate in entrepreneurship is not just about economic growth; it is about building a more inclusive and balanced society. Preneuria 2024 served as an inspiring platform to underscore the importance of women entrepreneurs and their impact on the nation’s economy, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of the value of gender equality in business.

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Sep 10 2024
KDU Entrepreneurship Club Sparks Creativity with “Cookiefy” Cookie Design Competition

In a bid to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among undergraduates, the KDU Entrepreneurship Club launched an innovative event titled “Cookiefy, the Cookie Design Competition.” The event, held yesterday, was a resounding success, filled with creativity, joy, and vibrant cookie designs.

Participants were encouraged to disconnect from their electronic devices and tap into their natural creativity. They were provided with minimal tools and materials and challenged to design a cookie within a small, limited space. This approach aimed to awaken the hidden creative potential in each participant, demonstrating that sometimes, less is more when it comes to innovation.

The competition not only showcased the creative talents of the students but also highlighted the importance of giving young entrepreneurs the mental freedom to explore their ideas. As the initiator of the KDU Entrepreneurship Club, I am proud of our exceptional executive committee, which independently planned and executed the event. Their ability to conceive, organize, and successfully deliver the event underscores the importance of allowing students the freedom to lead and innovate.

“Cookiefy” was a small but impactful initiative, demonstrating that creativity, when nurtured, can flourish even in the simplest of activities.

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Sep 10 2024
KDU Young Entrepreneurs Exhibition 2024

The KDU Young Entrepreneurs Exhibition took place for the 9th consecutive year on April 2nd, 2024, at the FGS building from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year marked a significant milestone as the exhibition opened its doors to all faculties for the first time, featuring two categories for participation.

In the Internal Category (Department Level), students from Intake 40 in Logistics Management and Management & Technical Sciences were assigned a group task to develop innovative business ideas with a focus on minimizing environmental impact. These ideas were presented as business organizations and evaluated by a distinguished judging panel comprising industry representatives.

In the External Category (Inter-faculty Level), the exhibition was extended to students from other faculties for the first time. Proposals were invited from these faculties, and special Zoom sessions were conducted to guide submission procedures and provide relevant information.

A total of twelve groups representing all undergraduates of BSc in Logistics Management and the BSc in Management and Technical Sciences Degree Programs of Intake 40 of the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities participated, alongside five groups representing the Open Individual category and nine groups under the Open Group category. Dr. Kalpana Ambepitiya, the lecturer in charge, provided instructions to the participants.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara VSV, USP, psc, MMaritimePol, BSc (DS), Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, as the Chief Guest. Retired Major General DCA Wickramasinghe USP USACGSC, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Defence and Administration); Prof. KAS Dhammika, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic); and Dr. Lankshika Liyanage, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities, were the Guests of Honor.

The panel of judges included Dr. Angelo Karunarathne, Lead Tech Development and Strategic Operations at Softmatter by MAS Holdings, Mr Lahiru Gunarathne, Assistant Manager – Talent Attraction, MAS Capital (Private) Limited, Dilanka Sanjaya, Managing Director of FONIX Software Solutions, and Dinusha Rajarathna, CEO of SABAH Association. They were tasked with selecting the best business ideas from the exhibition.

The exhibition was filled with very creative and innovative business ideas from the students.  The event took place in three main categories; Open Category (Individual), Open Category(Group), and Internal Category. The first place in the exhibition under “Open Category-Individual” was awarded to the ‘Crochet Corner’. The second place was achieved by the ‘Daily Planner Concept’. The third place was awarded to the team ‘Ever Eco’. The first place in the exhibition under “Open Category-Group” was awarded to the team “Hi Mama” and the second place was awarded to the team “Mindsolve” while the third place in this category was secured by the team “Renewables”. The first place in the exhibition under the “Internal Category” was awarded to team “Road Runner,” while second place was awarded to team “Aqua Leaf”, and third place to team “Repoly”. The exhibition was a remarkable opportunity for young undergraduates to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

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Sep 9 2024
Webinar on Fostering Innovative Career Thinking by Mr. Raza Abbas

The Career Guidance Unit of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University invited Mr. Raza Abbas, the Head of Shahjehan Syed Karim Incubation Centre at the Institute of Business Management and the focal point of the UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network – Pakistan National Chapter, to conduct a career guidance webinar themed “Fostering Innovative Career Thinking” on 5th September 2024. The highlights of the webinar are as follows.

In the webinar, Mr Abbas emphasizes the critical role of cultivating hope as a foundational element in career thinking. He began the presentation with an icebreaker activity that encouraged participants to share their thoughts on hope and how they can develop an internal hope reservoir, followed by inspirational quotes from notable Hope Scientists profiled in the global bestseller: The World Book of Hope.

These quotes underscore the importance of maintaining hope in uncertain times, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of career planning. The concept of igniting students’ career thinking through a structured approach that involves self-awareness, management skills, and educational planning. This process is designed to guide students in exploring their career options, setting achievable goals, and taking concrete steps toward realizing their career aspirations. The framework encourages students to reflect on questions such as “Who am I?”, “Where am I going?”, and “How do I get there?”, providing a comprehensive roadmap for career development.

The presentation also addresses the differing perspectives of parents and students regarding career choices. While parents often prioritize traditional career fields that offer job security, students are increasingly interested in fields that promise rapid growth and opportunities in emerging sectors, including entrepreneurship. This discussion highlights the tension between these perspectives and the importance of finding a balance that aligns with individual interests and abilities and promoting an enlightened dialogue with parents led by career practitioners.

Furthermore, the initiatives discussed in the presentation are closely aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education (Goal 4), decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), reducing inequalities (Goal 10), and fostering peace and justice (Goal 16). He encouraged participants to reflect on 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and select the SDG goals that are aligned towards their career aspirations

The session also highlights the global recognition of these innovative practices, noting their publication in OECD materials and selection for key UN and UNESCO initiatives.

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May 7 2024
Career Guidance Guest Lecture

Career Guidance Guest Lecture by
Mr Lakshan Madurasinghe for final year undergraduates of
BSc in Strategic Studies & International Relations

A guest lecture was organised by the Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies for the final year undergraduates focusing on their upcoming internship. The lecture was conducted by Mr Lakshan Madurasinghe, Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Coca-Cola- Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and President Emeritus of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka at the FDSS auditorium on the 7th of May 2024. 

Mr. Madurasinghe and students had an interactive session where students were able to gain valuable knowledge from his life experiences. He pointed out 5 principles to be successful in professional career, such as, “to be a good listener, be open to learning, take individual initiatives, build mutual trust and respect, and remain curious”. The session was very informative and insightful for the undergraduates as they were about to pursue their professional career in the near future.

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Jan 29 2024
Successful CV Writing Workshop Empowers Students at Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities

On January 29, 2024, the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities (FMSH) witnessed a significant event as the CV Writing Workshop 2024 took place, enriching the skills of its intake 39 students. From 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, students gathered at the FMSH 6-2 classroom to participate in an interactive session led by Ms. Niroshika Darshani, a distinguished Senior Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, and a Visiting Corporate Trainer at the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training.

The workshop aimed to empower students with the ability to craft personalized CVs without solely relying on online templates. In a world where individuality and uniqueness stand out, Ms. Darshani emphasized the importance of tailoring CVs to reflect each student’s distinct skills, experiences, and aspirations.. By steering away from generic templates, students learned to highlight their strengths and accomplishments authentically, making their CVs more compelling to potential employers.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Lakshika Liyanage, the Dean of the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities. As a gesture of appreciation, Dr. Lakshika Liyanage presented Ms. Niroshika Darshani with a token of gratitude for her invaluable contribution to the workshop. Ms. Darshani’s expertise and dedication not only enriched the learning experience but also inspired students to strive for excellence in their career endeavors.

This workshop was organized by the students of the Technical Sciences and Management Society (TSMS) under the guidance of the Faculty Career Guidance Advisor, Mr. Lahiru Gunathilake. The Technical Sciences and Management Society (TSMS) played a pivotal role in facilitating such initiatives, fostering a culture of career development and excellence within the faculty.

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Nov 30 2023
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: An Impactful Workshop by Dr. Cary Goulston

The Career Guidance Unit of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University recently organized an impactful workshop led by Dr. Cary Goulston on 23rd November 2023, from 02:00 pm onwards at the FMSH building. Dr. Goulston is a distinguished educational leader with over 25 years of experience and has worked in several countries. As the President of the International Educators Association, Dr. Goulston’s commitment to education has earned him prestigious accolades, including the US President’s Volunteer Services Award.

This workshop was conducted for undergraduates of the University. During the workshop, Dr. Goulston, a Peace Ambassador, and World Humanitarian Ambassador shared invaluable insights on essential topics such as effective studying, decision-making, youth leadership, and stress management. His engaging presentation style and wealth of experience left a lasting impact on the students, fostering personal and collective growth.

The workshop served as a valuable platform for students to immerse themselves in Dr. Goulston’s expertise, gaining practical knowledge and skills applicable to their academic and professional journeys. The interactive sessions were not only helpful but also enjoyable, creating an engaging learning environment that resonated well with the participants.

The workshop emphasized the significance of conducting such programs in enriching the educational experience for students and preparing them for success in their future endeavors. The university looks forward to continued collaborations that contribute to the holistic development of its student community.

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Nov 22 2023
CGU Director’s Comprehensive Career Guidance Program at Panadura Balika Vidyalaya

The director of the Career Guidance Unit (CGU) was invited to conduct a Career Guidance Programme for the students of Panadura Balika Vidyalaya on November 20, 2023. A five-hour program catered to grade 12 students from the Maths, BioScience, Technology, Commerce, and Arts streams under the title “Charting Your Course: Career Guidance Program for Advanced Level Students.”

It was a comprehensive career guidance program unfolded, spearheaded by the Director of the Career Guidance Unit, Dr. Kalpana Ambepitiya. The initiative aimed to equip students with the tools to navigate the intricate landscape of career choices.

The program commenced with a profound exploration of self-assessment, encouraging students to introspect and identify their strengths, passions, and values. Moving forward, the participants delved into a diverse array of career options, gaining insights into potential vocations that align with their unique attributes.

Key skills took center stage as students discovered the essential abilities sought by employers in today’s dynamic job market. The emphasis then shifted to identifying skills gaps, bridging the divide between aspirations and current capabilities. This introspective phase laid the groundwork for the formulation of personalized action plans tailored to each student’s goals.

The program’s pinnacle involved the practical application of acquired skills, allowing students to engage hands-on and witness the relevance of their newfound knowledge. The atmosphere was one of empowerment and enlightenment as young minds embraced the journey of self-discovery and career exploration.

In fostering an environment of guidance and mentorship, she has sown seeds of inspiration that will undoubtedly sprout into flourishing careers for the students of Panadura Balika Vidyalaya. Today’s initiative not only marked a milestone but also illuminated a path toward a future where every student can confidently stride toward their chosen career with purpose and conviction.

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Oct 20 2023
CGU Director’s Insights on Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy at Holy Family Convert, Kaluthara on their Commerce Day 2023

Dr Kalpana Ambepitiya, the director of the Career Guidance Unit (CGU) was invited to deliver the guest speech at the Commerce Day 2023 of Holy Family Convent Kalutara. The event took place on October 20, 2023, under the theme “Blue Ocean and Environment.” The summary of her speech highlighted the following points.

Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean,” possesses invaluable natural resources, especially its diverse coastline, marine biodiversity, and coastal communities. Positioned strategically, Sri Lanka holds historical significance in international maritime relations dating back to the first century. Amid the global emphasis on developing blue economies, Sri Lanka faces the dual challenge of preserving its ocean’s ecological balance while harnessing economic potential.

The article underscores the need for a balanced approach to economic growth and environmental conservation in Sri Lanka’s blue economy. The country’s marine resources, crucial for industries such as fisheries and tourism, significantly contribute to economic growth. However, uncontrolled exploitation poses threats such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution.

To address these challenges, the article advocates for sustainable fisheries through policies like closed seasons and conservation measures. It also proposes eco-friendly tourism practices and the exploration of renewable energy sources from the ocean. Recognizing the impact of climate change on coastal areas, the article recommends investments in climate resilience projects, mangrove restoration, and sustainable coastal development.

The success of Sri Lanka’s blue economy hinges on the active involvement of coastal communities, collaboration with international entities, and transparent governance. While challenges persist, the commitment to sustainable practices in fisheries, eco-tourism, renewable energy, and climate resilience can pave the way for a balanced and prosperous future in the maritime sector.

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