Australia Awards Fellowship 2024

The Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce proudly highlights the accomplishments of its representatives who participated in the prestigious Australia Awards Fellowship (AAF) 2024. Fully funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia, this transformative program was hosted by Monash University in collaboration with the University of Canberra and the University of Western Sydney. Spanning from November 11 to 30, 2024, the fellowship focused on the theme of “Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in STEM-Based Firms in Sri Lanka”, offering a platform for multidisciplinary research and collaboration aimed at addressing critical challenges in Sri Lanka’s STEM sector.

The fellowship enabled 15 academics from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the University of Colombo, and the University of Jaffna to undertake five impactful research projects. These projects, expected to be published in A* or A-ranked journals, have laid the foundation for advancing academic excellence, fostering inclusivity, and driving policy advocacy in Sri Lanka.

The seven faculty participants from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura played pivotal roles in these groundbreaking studies. The fellowship also offered participants unique opportunities for cultural exchange and engagement with global experts. The program in Australia featured a diverse range of activities, including lecture sessions, interactive workshops, and panel discussions with leading researchers and industry experts in the field. These engagements provided invaluable insights and opportunities for knowledge sharing. Additionally, the organizing committee arranged a few sightseeing tours, allowing participants to explore Australia’s cultural and natural landmarks, fostering a well-rounded and enriching experience. These experiences not only deepened their academic insights but also strengthened bilateral ties between Australia and Sri Lanka.

Prior to departure to Australia, all seven participants of FMSC-USJ actively engaged in preparatory activities to ensure the success of their fellowship objectives. These activities included intensive workshops on qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, gender theories, and effective literature review construction, conducted from 10th September 2024 to 19th September 2024. These sessions provided a solid foundation for their research projects and enhanced their readiness to contribute meaningfully to the fellowship’s objectives.

The pre-workshops and the program conducted in Australia were enriched by an esteemed panel of resource persons comprising leading academics, researchers, and industry professionals. Their expertise spanned diverse fields, including gender studies, STEM, business management, and social inclusion, ensuring a holistic learning experience for all participants. Prominent academic contributors were,

Professor Alex Newman – Melbourne Business School
Professor Cherrie Jiuhua Zhu – Monash University
Professor Daniwl rajogo – Monash University
Professor Felix Mavando – Monash University
Professor Isabel Metz – Melbourne Business School
Professor Kathleen Riach – University of Glasgow
Professor Lisa Harvey Smith – University of New South Wales
Professor Olivia Mirza – Western Sydney University
Associate Professor Ramanie Samaratunge – Monash University
Associate Professor Tui McKeown – Monash University
Dr. Amira Aftab – Macquarie University
Dr. Candy Lu – Macquarie University
Dr. Darren Baker – Monash University
Dr. Grham Smith – University of Canberra
Dr. Jane Alver – University of Canberra
Dr. Kanchana Wijayawardena – University of Wollongong
Dr. Lakmal Abeysekara, Head of People and Culture at Dr. Study
Dr. Nilupuma Wijewardena – RMIT University
Dr. Prabanga Thoradeniya – Monash University
Dr. Rangika Palliyaarachchi – Western Sydney University
Mr. Aruna Ratnayake, Senior Team Leader Mediation Services, NSW Small Business Commission
Mr. Chaminda Jayasena, Manager – Asset Planning at Westernport Water
Mr. Michael McLean, Managing Director from McLean Management Consultants Pty Ltd (Australia)
Mr. Michael Miller, Director Mediation at NSW Small Business Commission
Ms. Fiona Krautil, Founder and Principal at Diversity Knowhow
Ms. Jenny Voon – Monash University
Ms. Kasauni Vidanagamachchi – PhD Research at WSU
Ms. Nikki Meller, Founder and Director at CREDuED and DocuCRED.Ai

Their collective expertise greatly enhanced the fellowship experience, equipping participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and perspectives to address critical challenges in Sri Lanka’s STEM sector effectively.

The Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce extends its gratitude to the fellowship’s organizing team, especially Associate Professor Ramani Samaratunge (Monash University) who was the grant lead and instrumental in securing the grant from the DEFT, Australia and coordinating the entire program from pre-workshops which took place virtually before the fellows travelled to Australia.Also, we would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Nilupama Wijewardene (RMIT University), Dr. Prabanga Thoradeniya (Monash University), and Dr. Rangika Palliyaarachchi (Western Sydney University), for their exceptional leadership and coordinating the program across Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

A Special thank is extended to Prof. Dushan Jayawickrama, Dean of FMSC for his pivotal role in coordinating the program from the Sri Lankan end and representing Sri Lanka’s academic community. His leadership and dedication were instrumental in the success of this fellowship. Additionally, the entire tour to Australia for the Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce was generously sponsored by Monash Business School.

As the fellowship concludes, the Faculty is committed to leveraging the knowledge and experiences gained to drive meaningful change. The research outcomes will inform policies, enhance teaching and learning practices, and contribute to sustainable development in Sri Lanka’s STEM sector. These accomplishments reaffirm the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce’s dedication to addressing societal challenges through innovative and impactful research.