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Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. – Kofi Annan  Welcome to the Eighth Issue of the Fourth Volume of ‘ The Leo Times Magazine ‘ by the Leo Club of SLTC Research University!  Stay with us, develop your knowledge, and get a delightful experience.

The 2nd Training Session for Academic and Non-Academic staff under the IncEdu Erasmus+ project was recently held at SLTC – Research University on the 28th and 29th of March 2023. IncEdu aims is to develop a system of support to equalize the opportunities for students with disabilities in Sri Lankan Universities and therefore works towards ensuring the rights of students with disabilities to access higher education. “Developing Inclusive Education for students with disabilities in Sri Lankan Universities (IncEdu) is an Erasmus+ capacity building project (Key Action 2) running from 2019-2023. It is a consortium of SLTC – Research University, University of Peradeniya, University of Ruhuna, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, University of Zagreb, Croatia, Masaryk University, Transilvania University of Brasov, Uppsala University. Academic and Non-Academic staff from SLTC – Research University, University of Peradeniya, University of Ruhuna, and the Eastern University of Sri Lanka attended the training session held at SLTC on the 28th and 29th of March 2023. The Sessions were facilitated by Prof. Lelia Kis Glavas and Prof. Martina Ferić from the University of Zagreb, Croatia.

The Aero Day organized by SLTC Research University for the students who are interested in RMIT Aerospace Engineering pathway offered by SLTC was held on the 25th of March 2023 at the RC Falcons Flying Ground in Bandaragama. Students from school Aerospace clubs and A/L students who are interested in Aerospace Engineering received the opportunity to fly model planes followed by a professional demonstration by RC Falcons Flying Team. SLTC and RC Falcons Flying team collectively provided professional guidance to all students to support and pursue their career dreams related to Aerospace Engineering whilst giving them exposure to the RMIT study pathway offered by SLTC. 

MAS Open Day 2023 was held at the SLTC Research University main campus in Padukka, on the 24th of March with the participation of students studying in the third and the fourth years of their degrees at the SLTC Business School. Participants were screened for internships and career opportunities at MAS. Present at the event representing MAS were Deputy General Manager, Ms Sandamali Ranasinghe and Group Human Resources Executive, Mr Malindhu Samarawickrama.

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.