Colombo University secures over 100 private sector internships for Econ undergrads
View(s):Sri Lanka’s private sector, increasingly starved of skilled employees, is now providing more opportunities for university undergraduates to translate the knowledge gained within the lecture room into practice through internships.
Ven. Prof. Wimalaratne, Head of the Department of Economics handing over the felicitation plaque to Alumni President Rajeev Amarasuriya whilst the representatives from the corporate partners look on.
The need has arisen at present more than in the past for graduates to possess additional soft skills to complement their qualifications for employability.
Leading local private companies have stepped into provide their continuous support in providing practical training to university students.
Under this set up, Colombo University’s Department of Economics has secured over 100 internship opportunities in the private sector for undergraduates.
This target has been achieved just one month after the Colombo University Alumni Association collaborative partnership with the Department of Economics of the University to support its final year internship programme, a media release issued by association revealed.
Cargills Ceylon Ltd, LOLC Group and BR De Silva & Co were the corporate partners of this programme.
In recognition of the progress of this successful initiative, the Department of Economics hosted a Ceremonial Inauguration and Felicitation recently at the auditorium of the Department of Economics.
Ven. Prof. W. Wimalaratne, Head of the Department of Economics, University of Colombo; Rajeev Amarasuriya, President of the University of Colombo Alumni; Dr. Sasini Kulathunga, Co-ordinator of the Internship Programme of the Department of Economics; representatives from the corporate partners – Cargills Ceylon Ltd, LOLC Group and BR De Silva & Co. and many staff and students were present.
Speaking at the function, the Ven. Prof. Wimalaratne stated that internship placements in the final year of the Degree programme were mandatory and the Special Degree in Economics is now being conducted in the English medium.
Mr. Amarasuriya stated that the Alumni Association had recently launched a university-wide Internship Programme, and this was the first formal relationship entered into, to support the Department of Economics.
He also spoke on the special value of the degree in Economics and made reference to his grandfather the late Stanley Jayawardena who armed only with a degree in Economics from the University of Colombo went on to become the first Sri Lankan Chairman of Lever Brothers which was considered the most prestigious private sector appointment at the time.
He also stated that presently there is a dearth of good economists, and there must be more focus on developing this field, for the sustained growth and development of the country.