Start
January 29, 2024
End
February 2, 2024
Nestled in the administrative capital of Sri Lanka, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has a storied past dating back to its establishment in 1959. Initially founded as Vidyodaya Pirivena in 1883 by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero, the university has since evolved into a prestigious institution, housing seven faculties including the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce (FMSC), which boasts a rich history of over 50 years in management education.
As the largest and most sought-after faculty in the Sri Lankan University system by students of the Commerce stream of G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, FMSC takes great pride in its mission to be the prime centre of excellence in Management education in South Asia. With a current student body exceeding 5000, FMSC has produced internationally recognized graduates, researchers, academics, and business leaders in various fields, making a remarkable impact on society over the years.
Against its backdrop of academic excellence and innovation, the annual Student Orientation Programme of the FMSC of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura was recently held grandly. This year’s event spanned five days starting from January 29th January to 2nd February. It was organized to warmly welcome the 2022/2023 batch to the faculty, and to provide new students with a holistic introduction to university life, covering academic, social, and community engagement aspects.
The inauguration ceremony, held on January 29th, marked the commencement of the orientation week. Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage, the Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Dushan Jayawickrama, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, graced the occasion, setting an inspiring tone for the week ahead. Moreover, Professor Aruna S. Gamage initiated the academic discourse with a session on the “Role of Students in University Education,” emphasizing the importance of active student engagement in the learning process.
The programme was designed to acquaint students with various facets of university life. The first day focused on fostering connections through meetings with student mentors, who provided guidance and support to groups of new students. This personalized approach ensured that every student felt welcomed and supported right from the start. Subsequently, student mentors engaged in meaningful interactions with their assigned groups of new students, fostering a supportive environment conducive to academic and personal growth.
Day two was dedicated to immersion in the university environment. Informative sessions at the library, a comprehensive campus tour, and interactive engagements with various university clubs and associations acquainted students with the campus’s layout and the myriad of extracurricular opportunities available. These activities aimed to familiarize students with the campus layout and introduce them to the diverse range of extracurricular opportunities available.
Mindfulness and preparedness for university life were central themes on day three. Dr. Saman Weerawansa led a session emphasizing mental well-being, crucial for navigating the challenges of university life effectively. Simultaneously, an IT Skill Development Programme equipped students with essential technological competencies, enhancing their academic prowess in the digital age.
The fourth day exemplified the university’s commitment to community engagement and diversity. While one group participated in a community project focused on environmental conservation, guided by faculty members and enthusiastic student volunteers, another group engaged in discussions aimed at fostering inclusivity and acceptance. These initiatives not only contributed to community welfare but also instilled values of social responsibility and cultural diversity among students.
In addition to physically conducted sessions, pre-recorded videos covering essential topics such as healthcare, student welfare, and career guidance were made accessible to new students, ensuring comprehensive support and resources throughout their university journey.
The success of the Student Orientation Programme would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors such as Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Limited, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, Unilever Sri Lanka, Sunquick Lanka Pvt Ltd, and the Department of Entrepreneurship of the faculty. Their contributions, alongside the dedication of faculty members, staff, and student volunteers, enriched the experience for new students and paved the way for a memorable start to their university life.
The active participation of new students and their families underscored the significance of the orientation programme in facilitating a smooth transition into university life. As the new academic year unfolds, it is evident that the bonds forged during the orientation week will serve as a solid foundation for the academic and personal growth of the incoming students.
As the orientation week concluded with a musical evening featuring performances by senior students, it marked not just an end but a beginning – a gateway to a transformative journey of learning, growth, and camaraderie. The FMSC Student Orientation Programme 2024 undoubtedly left an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of all participants, laying a solid foundation for their academic and personal success at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
The FMSC of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura continues its tradition of excellence in education, nurturing the leaders of tomorrow through innovative initiatives such as the Student Orientation Programme.
