Business

SLIIT graduates receive postgraduate scholarships from prestigious German universities

Published

6 years ago

2021/03/18

Confirming SLIIT’s ranking as the nation’s premier higher education institute and its students’ quality, several graduates received scholarships to pursue their postgraduate studies in prestigious universities in Germany.

SLIIT recently celebrated the first batch of SLIIT alumni students who will transfer to Germany for postgraduate studies.

Praveen, Hasal and Varuni have enrolled at the University of Bremen for postgraduate programmes in MSc Control, Microsystems and Microelectronics. The University of Bremen is among one of Germany`s top eleven universities of excellence. It is renowned for its strengths in the sciences and engineering, disciplines as well as the humanities and the social sciences.

Binura Perera is a recipient of the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarship awarded by the German government for potential leaders from developing countries. Remarkably this scholarship for the renewable energy domain has been awarded to a Sri Lankan after a lapse of 15 years. He is pursuing the Masters in Renewable Energy (PPRE) at the University of Oldenburg, which is considered the oldest postgraduate course in Renewable Energy in Europe and home to several leading brands, products and prestigious alumni in the renewable energy field. The opportunity to study the course is given only to 22 promising candidates who have proven their calibre during a rigorous selection involving 1000+ applicants from around the world.

After graduating from SLIIT in 2017 with the award for the best performer and a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering, Binura has made great strides in creating sustainable energy benchmarks for the apparel industry. As the group lead energy engineer for Brandix Apparel Limited in 2018/9, he and his team successfully obtained the World Green Building Council recognition for the world’s first carbon-neutral apparel manufacturing facility. The team achieved the world’s second-highest score for a green manufacturing plant (LEED) awarded by the US Green Building Council for the Brandix Batticaloa factory, with several first in Sri Lanka and first in the region projects.

Commenting on these scholarships, Prof. Nimal Rajapakse, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of SLIIT said, “We are extremely proud that our students received these scholarships from prestigious institutions in Germany.”

This is not only recognition of their academic abilities but also showcases SLIIT’s track-record in producing world-class graduates who can compete with the best in the world. We are confident that these graduates will make the best out of this wonderful opportunity and serve our nation after they complete postgraduate studies.”

Before studying in Germany, Varuni graduated from SLIIT with a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, achieving First class honours. During which she was also awarded the Dean’s List recognition for three consecutive years. Since mid-2020, she has been studying for her MSc. in Control, Microsystems and Microelectronics at the University of Bremen, Germany. She was employed as an Assistant Lecturer at SLIIT’s Engineering Department before leaving for Germany. Varuni’s research interests include Computer Vision and Image processing, Machine learning, etc.

Praveen was an Academic Instructor at SLIIT’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He graduated from SLIIT with a BSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering and was awarded the Dean’s List recognition. His research interests include Machine learning, Embedded Systems, Computer Vision and Image processing, etc.

Hasal was employed as an assistant lecturer at SLIIT’s Engineering Department after graduating with a BSc. Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He obtained first – class honours. A member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET), Hasal interned as a trainee at the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Airport & Aviation Authority. SLIIT offered him several semester scholarships based on his continuous superior academic performance. He was also recognised on the Deans’ Lists from 2016-2018.

Explaining their pathway in attending the German University, Praveen said, “All of us worked at SLIIT for one year after graduation. We worked on a project together that focused on a human gait cycle detection/prediction algorithm using low computation with Dr. Nimsiri Abhayasinghe, Head, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Varuni and I have worked on a project focused on a machine learning based lecture capturing system. Hasal’s project was based on virtual power plants for power system flexibility. We are excited to study in a country that is world-renowned for its technology inventions and industrial capacity. We reached this milestone because of the quality of education offered by SLIIT look forward to this new exciting higher education phase in our lives.”

Image One – Binura Perera, a recipient of the DAAD Scholarship awarded by the German Government

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Business

PM ‘Rings the Bell’ at CSE to champion financial literacy and investor education

Published

18 hours ago

2026/10/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

P.M. Dr.Harini Amarasuriya

As part of World Investor Week (WIW) 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) joined stock exchanges around the world in ringing the market opening bell for financial literacy on 5 October 2026, under the patronage of Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

World Investor Week is an annual global campaign led by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to raise awareness of the importance of investor education and investor protection. The “Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy” initiative, pioneered by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), brings together stock exchanges and other stakeholders worldwide to promote greater financial literacy and encourage individuals to make informed financial decisions.

The ceremony also marked the 40th anniversary of the CSE and the joint launch by the SEC and the CSE of the Stock Market Game, an online stock market simulation based on the ATrad trading system.

The Stock Market Game enables participants to gain practical experience of how the stock market works, make investment decisions and construct portfolios of listed shares without using real money. The platform is accessible through the websites of the SEC and CSE and is expected to serve as an important practical tool for promoting financial education. It is envisaged that the Stock Market Game will also be used to conduct simulation competitions among universities and the 100 Capital Market Clubs established in schools across the country.

The ceremony also featured the commemorative issuance of a stamp and First Day Cover to mark the 40th anniversary of the CSE. Issued in collaboration with the Department of Posts and the Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka, the commemorative stamp and First Day Cover were presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, by the SEC Chairman Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara and Ray Abeywardena, Director CSE and Chairman of Central Depository Systems (CDS).

Welcoming the gathering, Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the CSE, highlighted the importance of obtaining reliable information when making investment decisions.

“We operate in a digital world where a vast amount of information and data is disseminated through social media. While some of this information is factual, some may be inaccurate or misleading. When investing in the stock market, it is essential to make informed and prudent investment decisions. Therefore, investors should obtain information and data from reliable and responsible sources and persons before making investment decisions.”

Addressing the gathering, SEC Chairman Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara emphasised that the SEC’s role extends beyond regulation to facilitating the further development of the capital market.

“The SEC needs to determine how best to introduce the stock market to Generation Alpha, Generation Beta and generations beyond. When it comes to investors, we need to build confidence in the market, because people will invest only when they have confidence in the market.’’

Business

Rs. 5 million worth of prizes to be given at 8th edition of CSE Masterminds Quiz Competition

Published

18 hours ago

2026/10/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has announced that the eighth edition of the CSE Masterminds Quiz will be held on 9th October 2026, from 3.00 p.m. onwards, at the Main Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo.

Recognised as Sri Lanka’s premier capital market quiz competition, CSE Masterminds brings together teams from the public and private sectors. Participants will be tested across international business, global markets, current affairs, the Sri Lankan economy and business, the Sri Lankan stock market, and sports and entertainment, before a concluding rapid-fire round.

This year the winning team can win up to Rs. 2,000,000, the runners-up up to Rs. 1,000,000, and the second runners-up Rs. 750,000. Sector awards will also be presented to the highest-performing team from each participating sector. Guest participants will also be able to compete in rounds of Audience questions, and will have the opportunity to participate a raffle draw for three free return tickets provided by Fits Aviation (Pvt) Ltd.

The evening will also include an exclusive after-party with live music provided by the band ‘Doctor’ featuring guest performer Umara Sinhawansa, fine food and beverages, providing an opportunity for networking and celebration. Every participant will receive a premium goodie bag made possible by the support of the event’s sponsorship partners. Collectively, the event will feature over Rs. 5 million worth of prizes, rewards, and giveaways, encompassing championship prizes, sector awards, audience engagement prizes, raffle draw offerings, and goodie bags.

Sponsorship partners include:

Platinum Sponsors: Hatton National Bank PLC and Bartleet Religare Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd.

Gold Sponsors: Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, Asha Securities Ltd., and Lanka Securities (Pvt) Ltd.

Silver Sponsors: Barista Coffee Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Capital Trust Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., LOLC Holdings PLC, Arpico Ataraxia Asset Management (Pvt) Ltd., IronOne Technologies (Pvt) Ltd., and LankaPay (Pvt) Ltd.

Co-Sponsors: Access Engineering PLC, Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, CryptoGen (Pvt) Ltd., Deloitte Lanka (Private) Limited, Dialog Finance PLC, Efutures (Pvt) Ltd., People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, Senfin Asset Management (Pvt) Ltd., and Softlogic Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd.

Business

NCCSL to conduct practical workshop on food labelling and advertising regulations in Sri Lanka

Published

18 hours ago

2026/10/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) is organizing a one-day practical workshop on “Food Labelling & Advertising Regulations in Sri Lanka” on Thursday, 8th October 2026 from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the National Chamber of Commerce, Colombo 10. The workshop has been organised to provide a practical understanding of the latest regulatory requirements governing the food products labelling and advertising of food products in Sri Lanka, with particular attention to regulatory developments applicable in 2026, compliance requirements, and the potential legal and financial implications of non-compliance.

As food products increasingly compete not only with quality and price but also on packaging, labelling and promotional claims, businesses must ensure the information they communicate to consumers is accurate, transparent and consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. Understanding these requirements is therefore essential for businesses seeking to protect their brands, maintain consumer confidence, and minimize regulatory and legal risks.

The practical workshop will go beyond an overview of regulations and focus on how businesses can apply regulatory requirements in their day-to-day operations. Participants will be guided through key areas of food regulatory compliance, including the national food regulatory framework, recent food labelling regulations and key changes, mandatory approvals and prohibitions relating to food labelling, and the litigation process associated with regulatory violations. The programme will also cover several areas of growing importance to the food industry, including the EU EMPCO Directive, food colour coding regulations, regulations relating to food trans-fatty acids and the importance of compliance in the use of food additives. Practical exercises will further enable participants to apply their knowledge to real-world compliance situations and strengthen their ability to identify potential regulatory concerns.

For further information and registration, please contact the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka on 011 4741788 – Nethmi or Udula – 071 403 4775.