AOD and Northumbria University UK Graduates Honours its Class of 2024
View(s):- 110 BA Honours graduates, including 30 First Class achievers
- A new generation of designers and innovators poised to drive global impact through Sri Lankan creativity
AOD, Sri Lanka’s renowned design educator, proudly conferred degrees to its latest cohort of graduates. This milestone event celebrated the transition of 110 young designers, entrepreneurs, and innovators into the creative economy, armed with globally recognised qualifications from Northumbria University, UK.
A globally acclaimed UK degree, completed in Sri Lanka
The graduates received their BA (Hons) degrees across multiple design disciplines, including Fashion & Textile Design, Fashion Design & Marketing, Interior Design, Visual Communication Design, and Motion Graphics & Animation Design. Their academic journey was shaped by AOD’s strong partnership with Northumbria University, one of the UK’s most respected design institutions.
Prof. Jon Reast, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Northumbria University UK extended his congratulations highlighting the significance of this global academic collaboration. He commended the partnership between AOD and Northumbria as an ideal pathway for aspiring designers in South Asia; “You are graduating from an institution with historic roots. Our partnership with AOD is a clear example of the University’s global reach. It is through partnerships like this that both institutions can develop and thrive in a global world and realise their vision. Northumbria and AOD have a very similar vision for design education—one built on creating designers who can drive industry, business, and commerce. Northumbria’s historical roots as a technical university and AOD’s entrepreneurial DNA complement one another, allowing us to develop a business-friendly, innovation-driven curriculum.”
Empowering the next generation of creative leaders
Dr. (Hon DCL) Linda Speldewinde, Founder & Chairperson of AOD, addressed the graduates with an inspiring speech on the power of design to transform industries and societies.
“Today, we celebrate a milestone in your journey—one that reflects your dedication, passion, and creative spirit. Each of you has travelled a unique path to get here, and it’s that individuality that defines the incredible potential of this graduating class. Your journey at AOD has prepared you for more than just a career; it has equipped you to be catalysts for change. Whether through the vibrant collaborations of the Sri Lanka Design Festival or the groundbreaking opportunities of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka, you’ve seen firsthand how creativity can drive industries, empower communities, and inspire global conversations. Now, it’s your turn to carry this torch forward. Sri Lanka has always been a land of resilience and ingenuity, and you are its newest ambassadors.”
Distinguished guests honouring the convocation
The AOD Class of 2024 convocation was graced by esteemed dignitaries from the spheres of education, industry, and international relations, underscoring the significance of design education in driving innovation and economic growth.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, emphasised the crucial role of creative professionals in shaping Sri Lanka’s industries and urged businesses to harness AOD’s emerging talent.
“Every company needs to recruit a graduate from AOD,” he stated, underscoring how AOD graduates contribute to the nation’s economic growth as innovators with fresh thinking and dynamic skill sets.
Joining as Guest of Honour, Mr. Orlando Edwards, Country Director of the British Council Sri Lanka, reinforced the importance of international academic collaborations in fostering world-class design education within Sri Lanka.
Representing Northumbria University, Dr. Lee Barron, Associate Professor and Faculty Director for Transnational Education, and Ms. Molly Clark, Transnational Education Development Coordinator, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to delivering global academic excellence through its long-standing 15-year partnership with AOD.
A strong start: graduate employability and career success
AOD’s commitment to employability was a key theme of the ceremony, with 80% of graduates already securing jobs through AOD’s career placement platform. This proactive placement initiative connects graduates with top employers, ensuring they step directly into professional careers with others stepping into entrepreneurial ventures.
The class of 2024 being one of the most competitive cohorts AOD has produced with over thirty first class honours, three top graduates were highlighted as valedictorians. Ruwini Wijetunga and Nethangi Fernando, shared their gratitude for AOD’s transformative role in their lives and the excellence of AOD’s academic faculty. “We have been learning to unlearn everything taught at school in these three short years. Without AOD, we wouldn’t have known the real design life; and also if it weren’t for our excellent panel of lecturers, who are the real masters, the assets in this university.” Dulana Ethugala also reflected on how the institution shaped them into professionals ready to make a meaningful impact; “A huge thanks goes out to AOD itself; I joined this institution as a scholarship student, which I can safely say altered the course of my life. All my achievements come as a reflection of the AOD design ecosystem, the industry connections, the networks I built and everything was facilitated by this unique institution.”
Join the future of design with AOD
With over a hundred fresh design graduates now entering the creative and business landscapes, AOD continues to bridge academic excellence with real-world application. As Sri Lanka’s pioneering design institution, AOD remains dedicated to shaping industry-ready professionals who contribute to both the local and global economies.
The convocation highlighted how, for Sri Lanka, design is no longer just about aesthetics—it is a critical driver of innovation, business growth, and social change. Across industries, from fashion to interior design and digital media, formally trained designers play a key role in shaping economies and influencing global markets. The conferral of degrees at this prestigious convocation signifies more than just academic achievement; it represents the entry of a new wave of skilled professionals into Sri Lanka’s talent base, ready to contribute fresh ideas and creative solutions to industries both locally and internationally. As the global demand for qualified designers continues to rise, the presence of a strong, well-trained creative workforce becomes a national advantage. With Northumbria University’s globally recognised curriculum delivered at AOD, these graduates bring world-class expertise to Sri Lanka, fueling entrepreneurship, business innovation, and economic resilience. This convocation stands as a testament to the importance of design education in bridging the gap between creativity and commerce, ensuring that Sri Lanka remains competitive in the international creative economy. By nurturing the next generation of designers, AOD is not just shaping individual careers but also strengthening the country’s position as a hub for design excellence in South Asia.
AOD is now open for enrollment. Prospective students are encouraged to take the next step in their creative journey and become part of AOD’s innovation-driven ecosystem, where learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship come together to cultivate the next generation of design leaders. For information walk into AOD at the Colombo Innovation Tower, Monday to Friday 9 am- 5 pm.
www.aod.lk
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