Use education to serve country

“Education is what builds a country. The way to build a country is through education. Therefore, the education we receive should be of national importance. It must be useful to the country,” Professor Karunaratne, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, during the event held recently at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall (BMICH) said recently.

As the Chief Guest, Professor Karunaratne congratulated the graduates and reminded them to honor their parents and guardians, whose sacrifices made their education possible. He also urged the graduates to respect their teachers.

“Today, those parents are here in this assembly with tears of joy. Their dedication to shaping us into giants and warriors, enabling us to don this graduation cap, is immeasurable. Similarly, we owe immense gratitude to the teachers who have guided us from primary education to now. Without their dedication, we would not be here today. Always remember them and treat them with respect, regardless of their circumstances.”

The ceremony saw 500 graduates from the Global Stanford Campus receiving degrees. Distinguished guests, including Professor Madhubhashini Hewage, Dr. Nagalingam Prashanthan, and Dr. Sampath Bandara, Chairman of the Global Stanford Campus, also addressed the assembly.

The graduates had pursued studies through Classroom, online and blended methodologies, covering fields such as Education, Management, Information Technology, and Nursing. The Global Stanford Campus, in collaboration with IIC University of Technology, Cambodia—a foreign university recognized by the University Grants Commission—offers degree programs tailored to Sri Lankan students.

Dr. Sampath Bandara highlighted the institution’s growth since its inception in Ampara. Now operating in four provinces, the campus provides degree opportunities to teachers, as well as professionals in the banking and management sectors, enabling them to qualify for workplace promotions. Plans are underway to expand to the Central, North Central, and Northern provinces and introduce internationally recognized academic diplomas for students completing their GCE Advanced Level.

The ceremony featured the awarding of degrees, including Bachelor’s, Postgraduate diplomas, Masters and Doctoral degrees in Education, Management, and Nursing.  A cultural show with songs, dances, and drama added vibrancy to the event.

Photos captured various moments of the convocation, including addresses by the scholars and the celebratory atmosphere.