SLTC Editor

Empowering Career Guidance Officers for the future! The Special Training Programme Series, organized by the Future Lanka Research & Development Foundation, brought together experts from SLTC to share their knowledge and insights with career guidance officers from the Department of Manpower and Employment, helping them stay ahead of industry trends. Dr. Mohamed Azmeer from the Faculty of Computing & IT led a dynamic session on modern skill development, offering a deep dive into the latest trends in information technology and how these skills can empower future generations. Dr. Nicoloy Gurusinghe from the Faculty of Engineering highlighted the vast opportunities within the field of engineering, emphasizing the essential skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving sector. Meanwhile, Ms. Baghya from the Faculty of Business Management presented an engaging overview of career opportunities in tourism, showcasing how the future of global tourism is opening new doors for growth and innovation. This series of sessions equipped career guidance officers with valuable insights to better guide students on their educational and career paths, ensuring they are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.

The IFSLS (Interest Free Student Loan Scheme) awareness session, organized by SLTC in collaboration with Milton International Campus, was held on the 13th of October in Kekirawa. The event aimed to inform students about the opportunities provided by the Ministry of Higher Education’s Interest Free Student Loan Scheme, which helps make higher education more accessible. Attendees learned how the loan scheme can support their academic pursuits, covering a range of educational programs and institutions. The session included detailed presentations and discussions, offering students valuable guidance on how to apply for the scheme and maximize its benefits.

The Education Exhibition 2024, organized by the Ministry of Education, took place on the 12th of October in Homagama. This event served as a valuable knowledge-sharing platform for students interested in exploring the opportunities offered through the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) loan scheme. The exhibition brought together representatives from educational institutions, career advisors, and experts to provide insights on how the loan scheme can support students in pursuing higher education. Students had the opportunity to learn about various courses, financial aid options, and career pathways, making it an informative and engaging event aimed at empowering the next generation of learners.

The SkillUp Youth Empowerment Program, a flagship initiative aimed at fostering leadership and skill development among young minds, continued its journey with a session at St. Benedict’s College. Organized by the Future Lanka Research and Development Foundation in collaboration with the Presidential Office, the event featured Dr. Nicoloy Gurusinghe, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, SLTC, as a key panelist. Dr. Gurusinghe shared his expertise on the importance of technological skills in modern career paths, encouraging students to explore fields like engineering and innovation. The engaging discussions provided valuable insights into how young people can harness new skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving job market.

The SkillUp Sri Lanka National Youth Empowerment Project, organized by the Future Lanka Research and Development Foundation in collaboration with the Presidential Office, continues its mission to inspire young minds with essential skills for leadership and career growth. The recent session at Nalanda College, Colombo, featured a dynamic panel discussion with Dr. Nicoloy Gurusinghe, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, SLTC. As a key panelist, Dr. Gurusinghe shared his insights on the significance of engineering and modern technology, emphasizing how they play a vital role in shaping the future of youth leadership and entrepreneurship. The event encouraged active participation from students, sparking meaningful conversations on skills and innovation.

Ferguson High School Rathnapura, in collaboration with SLTC, organized a Seminar on Accounting for their 2024/25 A/L students, aimed at broadening their academic and professional horizons. The seminar provided an in-depth exploration of accounting principles and career prospects, tailored to the needs of advanced-level students preparing for their future education and careers. A key highlight of the seminar was a session led by Mr. Prasanna Rathnasinghe, Outreach Manager from SLTC, who provided valuable insights into the higher education pathways available at SLTC. He guided the students through the various academic programs offered by the university, particularly those related to accounting, finance, and related fields. His session emphasized the importance of aligning academic pursuits with industry demands, offering students a clear understanding of how SLTC’s programs can help them achieve their career goals. The seminar not only enriched the students’ knowledge of accounting but also opened up new possibilities for their higher education journey.

The Digital Entrepreneurship Development, Island-Wide 2-Day Workshop Series, organized by the Department of Manpower and Employment in collaboration with Future Lanka Research & Development Foundation, is a key initiative aimed at empowering vocational students with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills. The workshops are designed to enhance digital literacy, equip students with entrepreneurship knowledge, and bridge the gap between technical training and business innovation. One of the workshops, held at the Technical College Gampaha, focused on providing practical insights into digital entrepreneurship. Key resource personnel included Mr. Dian Baduge, Director of Future Lanka Research & Development Foundation, and Dr. Nicholoy Gurusinghe, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering at SLTC Research University. Their sessions encouraged students to think creatively and leverage digital tools for entrepreneurial success, offering practical exercises and interactive discussions. The students gained hands-on experience in managing digital ventures and learned how to navigate the challenges of the modern digital economy, making the workshop a crucial stepping stone in their entrepreneurial journeys.

The IFSLS workshop in Puttalam offered valuable insights into the Government’s Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme, providing students, including those from Tamil and Muslim communities, with the information they need to access this financial support. SLTC Student Counsellors were on hand to guide students through the process, highlighting the importance of accessible education for all across the country. This initiative reinforces SLTC’s mission to provide equal access to higher education for all, empowering students from diverse communities to pursue a debt-free degree in fields like engineering, IT, and business, and ensuring that every student, from every region, has the chance to shape a successful future.

The IFSLS workshop held in Nikaweratiya provided students with valuable guidance on the Government’s Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme, an initiative designed to make higher education more accessible. SLTC Student Counsellors were present to help students thoroughly understand the details of the program, ensuring they are well-informed about how to access and benefit from this crucial financial support. These sessions are incredibly beneficial to students, as they not only learn about the step-by-step process to apply for the loan, but also gain a deeper understanding of how the scheme allows them to pursue a degree at prestigious private universities like SLTC without the burden of upfront tuition fees. By attending these workshops, students can make informed decisions about their future, knowing that financial constraints won’t hinder their academic ambitions. Furthermore, students are introduced to the range of degree programs SLTC offers, equipping them with the knowledge to choose the right path for their career goals. The workshops ultimately empower students to take full advantage of this unique opportunity, ensuring that their dream of obtaining a degree in fields like engineering, business, or IT can become a reality, completely free of financial stress.