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The inauguration of SLTC Research University to welcome the undergraduates of the Class 2027A to the university was held on the 28th of March 2023 at the SLTC TRACE Campus premises. Ms. Marie Antonia von Schonburg, Chief Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka and Eng. Pubudu De Zoysa, the Project Director of Ministry of Health joined the SLTC Inauguration Ceremony as chief guests. The ceremony started with the procession including the CEO, directors, school heads, department heads, and professors in the university.  

The SLTC Research University recently entered into an agreement with the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) for collaborative lab space which will be used by the two institutions for collaborative research in diverse areas. The agreement was signed on the 21st of Match at the SLINTEC Nanotechnology & Science Park in Homagama, in the presence of representatives from both institutes. Eng Ranjith G. Rubasinghe signed the agreement on behalf of SLTC. Present at the event were Dr. Azeez Mubarak, Chief of Research at SLINTEC, and Dr. Lakshitha Pahalagedara Head of Business Development, at SLINTEC. Dr. Nanda Gunawardena, Director of International Affairs and Mr. Heminda Jayaweera Director of Corporate Affairs and Engagement along with several senior members of the SLTC academic faculty were also present at the event. The agreement provides SLTC with access to SLINTEC resources and the opportunity to collaborate with SLINTEC scientists on various research activities. This also provides SLTC students direct access to SLINTEC and its resources which carries great value for the research-based education model adopted by SLTC. The lab space of SLINTEC will be used for collaborative research by students and staff in the areas of Environmental Technology, Agriculture Technology, Biosystems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Textile Technology etc. Earlier last year, SLTC adopted a research-based education model in the delivery of all their undergraduate programmes, resulting in an unconventional shift from the traditional modes of university education in the country. The model has been applied to all disciplines and levels of education provided at the university and has shown significant improvement in the learning process since the shift. SLTC is the country’s only corporate-powered, nonstate higher education institute to offer UGC approved undergraduate programmes delivered within a research-based learning model in the country. The collaboration with SLINTEC is expected to help SLTC advance its research activities across all disciplines and enhance its related processes and outcomes with the resources and expertise of the SLINTEC.

The second session of the programme to introduce undergraduates of the Class of 2027 to the university, its operations, and the culture was held on the 22nd of March 2023 at the SLTC TRACE Campus premises. The event was organised by the SLTC Registrar’s Office to familiarise the students who are expected to start their studies in a few weeks’ time with the university, premises, its community and academic activities. Parents of the Class of 2027 also participated at the event. The participants took part on a guided tour of the campus and the TRACE Expert City complex once the formal activities of the introductory programme were concluded.

The SLTC Research University is calling for applications from suitable candidates for MSc in Embedded Systems and IC Design and MSc in Wireless Communications offered in partnership with the Liverpool John Moores University, UK.   This programme is suited for professionals who wish to further their career prospects in related industries and will be especially beneficial to those who wish to obtain a UK postgraduate qualification to better their professional prospects overseas. It is also an ideal opportunity for those graduates of related disciplines who wish to engage in further studies. Offered in two disciplines undergoing rapid growth, these MSc programs offered jointly by LJMU and SLTC address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the UK and Sri Lankan markets. Statistics show that LJMU’s postgraduates have an impressive track record of employability where 96% of postgraduates secure jobs or pursue further education within 15 months of graduation. There are several ways in which this MSc degree in wireless communications and embedded systems can help students progress into a lucrative global career. Firstly, this MSc programme provides individuals with specialized knowledge of the subject matter, including advanced topics such as wireless networking, digital signal processing, embedded systems design, and more. This knowledge can be attractive to potential employers, as it demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply it in practical settings. Secondly, the MSc in Wireless Communication and Embedded Systems provides students with critical hands-on experiences including laboratory work, and research projects. This provides graduates with real-world experience and practical skills that can be directly applied to their profession. This experience can be highly attractive to potential employers, as it demonstrates that the candidate has already gained relevant experience critical for their success in the field. Thirdly, during this MSc programme, students have the opportunity to connect with professionals in the industry, including academics, industry partners, and fellow students. These networks will prove invaluable to one who wishes to succeed in the industry as they can lead to referrals, recommendations, and job opportunities. Furthermore, this MSc programme includes courses specifically designed to prepare graduates for careers in industry, such as courses in project management, and technical communication. These courses provide graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the job market. The university has enabled both full-time as well as part-time study options. The full-time students may complete their degree in one year whereas the part-time study options allow students to complete the programme in one and a half years. Conducted virtually by a faculty comprising distinguished academic members representing both institutes, the programmes cover a wide range of current content delivered via tutorials, seminars, activity-based learning, group discussions, panel sessions, and inverted classroom learning. The SLTC Research University is Sri Lanka’s only research-based, corporate-backed university and houses an eminent faculty of renowned academics and industry leaders who bring a wealth of operational know-how and knowledge to the classroom.  Academic and other resources of Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom (UK), further strengthen the academic credentials and learning experiences in these postgraduate programmes. MSc Embedded Systems and IC Design, MSc in Wireless Communications programmes, offered by the School of Postgraduate Studies of the university will ready its graduates not only for the industry but also for professional and personal development, attributes in demand for progression in the related industries.   Those who wish to forward their applications or learn more about the programmes may visit  www.sltc.ac.lk or contact 0112100500/ 0719788643.

SLTC Research University; the Official Higher Education Partner of the 144th Royal Thomian Cricket Encounter   Marking a significant milestone in its history, SLTC Research University has established a unique partnership with a rich tradition; and the world’s oldest uninterrupted schoolboy cricket match; by becoming the Official Higher Education Partner of the 144th Royal-Thomian Cricket Encounter played between Royal College, Colombo, and St. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia for the prestigious D S Senanayake Trophy. The much-anticipated cricket encounter, one of the highlights in Sri Lanka’s school cricketing calendar, was played on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of March at the SSC ground Colombo.  The pioneering and exclusive partnership was announced at a press conference held on the 2nd of March during which the sponsorship cheque was officially handed over to the two heads of the institutions and the Joint Match Organizing committee.  Exhibiting its belief of sports being a critical element of enriching core human values; building confidence; and instilling resilience, SLTC entered into this landmark partnership with two of Sri Lanka’s premier boys’ schools reflecting its commitment to developing well-rounded men and women, which is at the heart of SLTC’s value system. As a university that recognizes the importance of sports and extracurricular activities for the holistic upbringing of its undergraduates, SLTC believes this partnership reflects these values and supports the university’s attempts to instill skills and attitudes that will help build resilience, team spirit, leadership skills, mutual respect, and most of all, the ability to take victory and defeat in the same spirit, in the future generations of Sri Lanka. While the partnership provides SLTC with an excellent opportunity to support and promote the sport and its values and be a part of the journey of these promising sportsmen, the university believes that the long history and the rich traditions of the Royal-Thomian Cricket Encounter reflect the university’s own sentiments of sportsmanship and what it entails for the youth of this country. SLTC is Sri Lanka’s first corporate-powered non-state research university, with a well-defined graduate profile aimed at producing a holistic multifaceted individual who would excel in both his professional and personal life. As a result, sports and extracurricular activities play an important role in the lives of those at SLTC. SLTC also to many teams excelling at diverse sporting activities including cricket and has provided several sporting facilities for the use of its community. SLTC is the first institution to become the exclusive higher education partner of the Royal-Thomian Cricket Encounter marking a memorable milestone for the university and the two schools.

A programme to introduce undergraduates of the Class of 2027 to the university, its operations, and the culture was held on the 15th of March 2023 at the SLTC TRACE Campus premises. The event was organised by the SLTC Registrar’s Office to familiarise the students who are expected to start their studies in a few weeks’ time with the university, premises, its community and academic activities. Parents of the Class of 2027 also participated at the event. The participants took part on a guided tour of the campus and the TRACE Expert City complex once the formal activities of the introductory programme were concluded.

The SLTC Research University (SLTC) was recently awarded the ISO 9001 certification for the university’s Quality Management System – (QMS) which was recognized for implementing and maintaining a QMS that meets the requirements of the ISO 9001 standards. This is a testament to SLTC’s commitment to providing high-quality education and services to its students, faculty, and community.  The certificate was awarded at an official ceremony held on the 9th of March 2023 at the SLTC Main Campus premises in Padukka. Present at the event were the Head of the Sri Lanka branch of Tuv-Nord India, Mr. Wasantha Gunaratne, Founder President & CEO of SLTC Eng. Ranjith G. Rubasinghe, ISO Consultant Mr. Kanishka Perera, Director of Planning at SLTC Mr, Heminda Jayaweera, members of the management and faculty of the SLTC Research University. The certificated was officially received by the Founder President & CEO of SLTC Eng. Ranjith G. Rubasinghe from Mr. Wasantha Gunaratne the Head of the Sri Lanka branch of Tuv-Nord India.  Delivering the keynote address the Founder President & CEO of SLTC Eng. Ranjith G. Rubasinghe stressed the significance of this recognition for the continuous improvement in the education services provided by SLTC with new dimensions which can shape the future of Sri Lankan Higher Education.  ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized quality management standard that requires organizations to meet rigorous standards in areas such as leadership, customer service, and continuous improvement. It helps organisations, especially in the domain of education, to improve their quality of education, enhance their reputation, increase efficiency, and improve stakeholder satisfaction. The SLTC Research University is the country’s only corporate-powered research-based residential University. Since its inception, SLTC has developed a reputation for high standards of academic delivery and quality assurance practices in the industry. The university maintains academic and research affiliations with world-class institutions such as Auckland University New Zealand, Lancaster University UK, Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai, Modul University Austria, RMIT Vietnam, and Australia, James Cook University Singapore, and Deakin University Australia. 

SLTC is one of the first non-state universities to provide on-campus accommodation to its students. While this was certainly convenient to the university’s residents, it has also helped in promoting fellowship, building a close-knit community, and transforming the university’s culture into what it is today.

Celebrating Our Alumni with the First Alumni Night The inaugural Alumni Night of SLTC was held at the Barnes Room of Jetwing Colombo Seven on the 18th of February.  Members from the classes of 2020 and 2021 took part in the event. The highlight of the evening was the appointment of committee members for the SLTC Alumni Association for the incoming year. Ms. Vishalya Panchalinee was appointed as the new president of the association. The welcome speech followed by a toast was delivered by the current president of the Alumni Association, Mr. Navod Kiriwatthuduwa. The SLTC Music school added color to the event with several wonderful performances. Did You Know? SLTC is one of the first non-state universities to provide on-campus accommodation to its students. While this was certainly convenient to the university’s residents, it has also helped in promoting fellowship, building a close-knit community, and transforming the university’s culture into what it is today.

The SLTC Research University conducted a three-day resident capacity- development programme for 124 instructors representing the National Youth Corps and the National Youth Services Council, who will be engaged in the teaching process of the recently launched Degree in Applied IT (DAIT), offered by the university at 76 study centres across the country. Conducted from 1st March – 3rd March at the SLTC main campus in Padukka, the programme was organized to help the participants understand the broader objectives of DAIT, the potential of the ICT industry both in Sri Lanka and globally and how DAIT will help prepare its students to progress into a range of careers in the field of IT. It was also an opportunity to appreciate and recognize the support rendered by the many individuals on the team whose continuous efforts had made a national initiative such as the DAIT, successful.   The Degree in Applied IT – DAIT, is a bachelor’s degree in Applied Information Technology awarded by the SLTC Research University. Conducted in partnership with the National Youth Services Council and the National Youth Corps under the guidance of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, DAIT is part of a national initiative to equip the country’s youth to pursue a range of careers in the global IT industry. Designed with the intention of training students in the practical applications of IT, the first intake of the degree programme admitted 910 applicants who had successfully completed their A/Ls in diverse categories of subjects. This enables students from any secondary education background to receive a recognised higher education qualification in IT and train as qualified professionals.  DAIT is being conducted at 76 centres across the country, by the instructors of the National Youth Corps and the National Youth Services Council with the support of the academic faculty of SLTC. Considering the uniqueness of the programme and the novelty of its learning mechanism to the Sri Lankan higher education sector, measures such as the instructor capacity-development programme were identified to be integral towards ensuring the success of the programme. The three-day training programme included several panel discussions highlighting the importance of DAIT in the current national context, its relevance to the global IT industry and the role of the instructors and their responsibility towards the undergraduates. Mr. Hasitha Liyanage , CEO of Different delivered the keynote address, speaking about the diverse opportunities available for Sri Lankan IT graduates in the global and local industries .  Presentations were made by Mr Pubudu Liyanage, Human Resources Consultant at Acumatica Inc. who stressed upon the importance of developing soft skills to succeed as a professional and Mr Sampath Jayasundara, CEO, hSenid who also stressed upon the lucrativeness of the IT industry for qualified graduates. The programme concluded with an award ceremony where several individuals who had contributed towards the planning, initiating, curriculum development and content design, operations and logistics, quality assurance, administration and enrolment processes of the DAIT programme were recognized for their efforts and commitment towards this national initiative.