Second Phase of the Annual Inter-University Debating Competition 2016
First phase of the debating competition was held on 04th November 2016 where, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and University of Peradeniya were selected for the finals. Final round, which is the second Phase of the debating competition was held on 26th May 2017 where both the universities competed for the Trophy at the grand finale on the topic “Ethical Finance simply increases shareholder value”. The debate was judged by Mr. Ravi Abeysuriya, Group Director (Non-Executive) Candor Holdings, Mr. Thushara Jayaratne, Director, External Relations and Surveillance, Dr.Sujeewa Hettiarachchi, Senior lecturer, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The two teams excellently showcased their finance knowledge in building their stance throughout the competition. Having an intense competition between the two teams, University of Sri Jayewardenepura won the Trophy and was able to bring the glory to the Department and the University.
This year the competition was chaired by Senior lecturer Dr. Chandana Gunathilke, and co-chaired by senior lecturer Mr. S.D.L. Kongahawatte, of Department of Finance. Inter-University Debating competition was initiated in the year 2016 and would continue to be an annual event in the Department Event Calendar.
Panel of judges were quite impressive on this event and they pursued this event to be an eye opener for many universities in Sri Lanka. The judges emphasized the importance of the collaboration between the industry and the Universities in fostering the future leaders in the field of Finance. Ravi Abeysuriya said, “I am very impressed, the students had a good knowledge on capital markets and finance as a whole. It is quite a pleasure to be engaged with the university like this. I hope there would be more events like these, where, we as representatives from the industry can also be involved”.
Thushara Jayaratne also shared his views on the competition with few inspirational words to the students, “I feel very happy to see you. Your knowledge is very much standard compared to our times in the university as undergraduates. However, Students should read and research more on practical examples from the capital markets”.
The event was successfully concluded with a note from Head of the Department of Finance, Prof. D.B.P.H.Dissabandara. He said “We, as a department wants to build a competent and employable graduate to the industry, and for that, we are taking every measure to ensure that the students would improve their knowledge, skills and attitudes. Having worked in the industry for some time, I understand the requirement of the corporate world. Students should improve their “critical thinking” abilities. Having competitions like this would expose students to many areas of finance and experience beyond the classroom education”. While thanking the panel of judges, the participants of the University of Peradeniya and the academic staff, students of the Department, Professor noted that he is planning to have more events and dialogues with the industry and link the academia with the industry through programs like this nature.
