University alumni associations back needy students

The   Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya Colombo Chapter and Peradeniya Engineering Faculty Alumni Association-Colombo, assisted and supported the University of Peradeniya to create history by introducing  the Working Students Assistantship Programme. 

During the recent economic crisis, at the request of the Vice Chancellor the   Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya Colombo Chapter (AAUP-CC) and Peradeniya Engineering Faculty Alumni Association-Colombo ( PEFAA-CC) came forward to financially assist 300 needy students for a period of six months with the help of donors.

The University suggested to convert it to a Working student Assistantship Programme to add more value to the generous contribution of the Alumni.

The Working Student Assistantship Programme (WSAP) is a short-term placement of undergraduates as trainees with externship providers within the University. This programme aims to assist the students financially while developing their career skills towards a successful and self- led future.  Further it offers practical work exposure within the university to increase the career skills of students.  This is the first time such a programme has been launched in a University in Sri Lanka.

Under the programme jobs have been created in all 9 Faculties and other entities of the University and offers students flexible working hours to suit their academic timetable.  Students are employed on a part time basis  in a wide range of jobs created within the university; such as translators, web designers, data analysts, graphic designers, aquarium assistants, event coordinators, legal assistants, HR assistants, Management Assistant , social media coordinators etc.  This programme is managed by the Career Guidance Unit of the University. 

 A ceremony was held on 23rd September 2022 at the University Grants Commission under the patronage of the UGC Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunga to officially introduce the programme. The Vice Chancellor of University of Peradeniya Prof. M.D Lamawansa and Director Career Guidance unit of the University of Peradeniya Prof. Dileep De Silva, The President of the Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya Colombo Chapter  and the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Engineering Colombo Chapter Eng. Vipula Jayampathi and 20 representatives including the official from the alumni Associations  participated at the event.