17 September 2018 09:08 am Views - 3350
Celebrating the accomplishments of over 700 students, ESOFT’s Schools of Computing and Business marked the successful culmination of their London Metropolitan University undergraduate programmes at a glittering graduation ceremony on 4 September. The event, which took place at the Main Hall of the BMICH, was attended by nearly 2,500 participants.
Student achievements were recognised across a range of degree programmes conducted at the ESOFT School of Computing including BEng (Hons) in Software Engineering, BEng (Hons) in Computer Networking, BSc (Hons) in Computing and BEng (Hons) in Electronic & Communications Engineering. Recognition was also bestowed upon students of the ESOFT School of Business for academic achievements in its BA (Hons) Business Administration, BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management, BA (Hons) in Travel and Tourism Management, Pearson Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma and MBA.
ESOFT is Sri Lanka’s largest, private, higher education network. Comprising 40 centres island-wide, it creates opportunities for over 30,000 students annually. Over its 18-year tenure, it has earned a reputation for high quality and affordable academic programmes ranging from certificate to postgraduate level, and encompasses a variety of disciplines including Computing, Business, Hospitality, Engineering, Language Training and Personal and Professional Development.
Speaking at the first session of the ceremony which saw the graduation of the computing students,Dean-School of ComputingDr. Ruvan Abeysekara said, “Our purpose at the ESOFT School of Computing is to produce the highest caliber of technology graduates; individuals who will move on to change the way technology is seen and utilised across the globe. We would like to congratulate our batch of graduates and wish them the best that life has to offer as they embark on their careers from this point forward.”
The Most Outstanding Performersreceived special plaques. This included Indunil Gunarathna, Mohomed Amanullah Mohomed Rikaz, Lekamwasam Dambure Liyanage Nisanka Mandara, Mohomed Refaideen Mohomed Rimzan and Bandara Caluthanthrige Don Shalindri UmangaJayaweera from the Computing Stream. The Most Outstanding performers of the School of Business were Mohammed Salman Khan, Kosalee Thameera Galkaduwa, Gnei Sumaiya Umar, Kenath Abhaya Wickramasinghe, Navamali De Silva, Dilini Kaushalya Medagedara, Pavithra Rangali De Alwis and Minura Kasun Kaluarachchi.
A further five high achiever medals were awarded to Korale Gamaralalage Roshelle Sara Hemachandra, Hansika Samanmalee Ekanayaka, Richard Jason Simmons, Binura De Zoyza, Madushani De Silva and Deshan Madhawa Balasuriya who topped their respective batches in the School of Computing.
The keynote speaker at second session was CEO Maliban Group of Companies Ravi Jayawardene, who advised the ESOFT students on the importance of complementing their academic qualifications with the soft skills necessary to advance in the professional world.
“Thisis one of the most significant moments of your life. Today, when you leave these premises, you go out into the world as a qualified individual with immense potential. However, as accomplished as you are academically, in today’s fast-moving world, there are other areas that you need to master in order to succeed. These are, of course, the all-important soft skills. Soft skills are qualities such as empathy, time management, creativity, communication and other similar attributes that can turn you into a well-rounded human being: the icing on the cake. I know ESOFT has already inculcated these skills in you to a great extent. I urge you to make it a point to further develop these skills as you step into the wider world of employment,” he said.
Other special invitees at the graduation ceremony included Head of Academic Partnerships-School of Computing and Digital Media Dr. Vincent Hargy, Head of Academic Partnerships-Guildhall School of Business and LawDr. Wendy Bloisi,Academic Liaison Tutor-Business CoursesPaul Bullock, Academic Liaison Tutor-IT courses Prof. Bal Virdee and MBA Course Leader & Academic Liaison Tutor of Guildhall School of Business and LawDr. Hazel Messenger who graced the occasion from London Metropolitan University.
Group Managing Director-ESOFT Group of Companies Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, was also present at the event along with other notable dignitaries from the ESOFT Metro Campus which included CEO Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy, Dean-School of Computing Dr. Ruvan Abeysekara,Dean-School of Business Dr. Dillina Herath, COO Central, North & East Regions,Shamri Ahafurdeen, and COO Colombo Dilan Savio Perera.
The awards ceremony was followed by a graduation ball at the Sapphire banquet hall featuring the fabulous Gypsies led by Sunil Perera.