A three-day training session for aspiring entrepreneurs from the 91传媒 (USJ) started on May 19 and concluded successfully on May 21, 2023, at the Senate Boardroom USJ. The event, titled “Upadhidhari Vyavasaya Udaanaya 2023,” was organized by the StartUp Hub of USJ in collaboration with the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA).

The training session aimed to promote and encourage the entrepreneurial mindsets and skills of undergraduates and recent graduates of USJ, who had the opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders. The most exceptional ideas from Entrepreneurship undergraduates鈥� and graduates鈥� final year thesis/dissertation/projects were also funded by NEDA.

The program was a three-day journey of learning and growth for aspiring entrepreneurs. It covered various topics such as industry insights, entrepreneurship skills, business transformation, production and administration, and business plan development. Participants gained valuable knowledge and experience from experts and mentors, and had the opportunity to work on their own entrepreneurial ideas. Also, the program covered various topics related to starting and running a successful business, such as production and admin plan, business plan development, market analysis, financial management, and legal aspects. The participants also engaged in interactive activities to boost their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

The event was graced by esteemed guests from various institutions, including Prof. Upul Subasinghe, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura; Prof. Hiran Amarasekara, Senior Treasurer and Startup Hub Founder at the University of Sri Jayawardenapura; Prof. Lasith Gunawardena, Co-Chair of IIVC at the University of Sri Jayawardenapura; Ms. Chathurangani Thennakon, Senior Careers Advisor at the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura; Dr. Chathurie Nupearchchi, Advisor at StartupHub, University of Sri Jayawardenapura; Ravindu Jayanath Jayewardena, President of StartupHub, University of Sri Jayawardenapura; Mr. Dulanjana Vithanage, Founder of Jack Fruit Ceylon Ltd; a representative from the International Labour Organization (ILO); Mr. Lasantha Kariyapperuma, Chairman/Director General of NEDA; Mr. Dhanuka Liyanagamage, Director of NEDA; Mr. Sashika De Mel, Assistant Director of NEDA; D.B. Jayathilaka and Jayashantha Kumara, resource persons from NEDA; Chathya Jayamanna, District Coordinator at NEDA; B.M. Nakandala, EPO at NEDA; and Mr. Sasanka Weerarathne, EPA at NEDA.

The event was attended by students from all faculties of USJ, as well as several dignitaries from NEDA, USJ, and the private sector. The event was part of NEDA鈥檚 鈥淯padhidari Vyavasayake Udanaya鈥� Program, which is implemented with all interested universities in 91传媒 to encourage educated youths in the business sector.

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With the aim of recognizing successful commercialization of university research to promote innovation and economic growth, the AHEAD (Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development) operations organized an event to recognize the commercialization efforts of researchers from all HEI cells and universities, as well as its business partners. The event was held on the 02nd of May, 2023 at the BMICH. Emphasizing the successful commercialization which can lead to new products, services, and technologies is one of the major aspect of organizing this event.

Establishing a University Business Linkage Cell to promote collaboration between universities and the industry in order to facilitate knowledge transfer and commercialization is a yet another important initiative of the AHEAD project which supports to bridge the gap between academia and industry experts, bringing together the necessary resources to contribute to the global economy and advance research and development. USJ Tech Transfer Office (UBL Cell) of the 91传媒 is now a successful outcome of the AHEAD project considering its substantial contribution to commercialize the outcomes of the university research.

The substantial advancements made by the USJ Tech Transfer Office in the commercialization of research were highly appreciated in this event. Certificates were awarded for the inventors behind the invention as well as the commercial partners who took the responsibility of introducing the valuable outcomes of the research to the market and 91传媒 was able to be awarded for the researches conducted in different thematic areas. USJ was able to be recognized for its research commercialization success through two organic cosmetic products developed using natural soil compound; laterite soil, Sudarshana suspension, the revolutionary ayurvedic medicine, nine innovative drum designs with novel sounds, novel technology of Efficient Bio-diesel Production, and a new technology to produce high thermal conductive graphite incorporated latex rubber products.

The advancement of the nation depends on the intellectual work being done by the academic community. This is a unique query that has been brought to the nation’s attention. Research, trade, and industry are greatly needed, especially in developing nations.
Furthermore Mr Sandun Amarasiri the student and owner of theYOUR CHOICE CEYLON EXPORTS (PVT) LTD who won the third place in the university student startup competition organized by AHEAD/ICTA to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week 2022. Received a cash prize of 100,000.00LKR from Commercial Bank PLC.

The event was graced with the presence of Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. Suren Raghavan, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor Sampath Amaratunga, Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Professor Chandana P. Udawatta, 91传媒n representative of the World Bank, Ms. Chio Kanda, all University Vice Chancellors, OTS Directors, UBL Diretors & Managers and the business community.

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At this meeting, USJ was accepted as an ESPD member company, and was later awarded a Certificate of Appreciation at an event on February 25th, 2023, held at the Kingsbury Hotel.

During the event, four graduates with disabilities received job opportunities with leading private companies. The Chief Representative of JICA 91传媒 office, Mr. Yamada Tetsuya, was the chief guest of the event. Other attendees included Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Nelum Kanthilatha, Secretary of the Equal Opportunity Cell/FHSS, and Mr. Kusun Nayanajith, Instructor of the Differently Abled Student Center.

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An economic forum was organized by the Research Center for Business Economics and Development Studies of the Department of Business Economics on the theme 鈥淐onfronting the Economic and Political Crisis in 91传媒: Priorities for Transformation鈥� on 26^th August 2022 virtually via Zoom.

It was the second event which was organized to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Department of Business Economics. Eminent resource persons addressed the theme from different perspectives. The panelists of the forum were Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy (Former Governor, Central Bank of 91传媒), Dr. W.A. Wijewardene (Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of 91传媒), Prof. Premachandra Athukorala (Professor in Economics, Australian National University), Dr. Dushni Weerakoon (Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies) and Mr. Shiran Fernando (Chief Economist, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce). Mr. Nisthar Cassim (Founder and Editor/CEO of DailyFT) moderated the economic forum.

This forum was expected to enrich ongoing discussions on 91传媒鈥檚 economic and political turmoil.

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Social responsibility usually doesn鈥檛 go along with the wood industry. Who knew that they could get returns in premiums from the 鈥渆nvironmental and social responsibility鈥� by paying a 鈥渟mall fee鈥� BUT acquiring it rightfully and benefit from 鈥淒ollars鈥�? Apparently, some have.

There are debates over the environmental impact make by wood industry in general, and we see very less of 鈥渆co-friendly鈥� or 鈥渆co-labeling鈥� over the practices in the timber industry. A survey conducted by Department of Forestry in USJP found out that wood produce exporters earn higher sales volume and revenue, just because of they have the proper certification from Forest Stewardship Council over their practices to prove the wood product acquisitions made right. 鈥�64% of responders believed FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification in their sector was becoming increasingly relevant and 99% of the current certification holders have said they wish to renew their certification. Also, furniture and other wood products sales increased while handicrafts, MDF and other fiberboards exports have been declined in past 5 years.鈥� said Prof. Priyan Perera-Correspondence author for the publication. He added 鈥渢he FCS Certification performs beyond industry expectations in terms of bringing in indirect benefits, such as reducing business risks, ensuring transparency in business activities, improving the overall efficiency of operations, improving supply chain management, B2B relations and, increasing traceability of wood/products.鈥�.

Prof. Priyan Perera (Department of Forestry and Environment Science), Mr. Rajitha Lakshan Rupasinghe, (Timber Processing Innovation Center), Mr Devin Weerasekera (Center for Sustainability, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science) of 91传媒, Dr. Richard Vlosky (Louisiana Forest Products Development Center) of Louisiana State University, Baton Raouge, Louisiana, USA and Dr. (Mrs) Rangika Bandara (Department of Zoology & Environmental management) of University of Kelaniya, 91传媒 conducted this research.

Though the certification is mostly focus based on the customer requirement, it would be nicer if we can see the practices of doing the right thing not only for the export market, but also for the domestic market. If the industry continues these practices, it is certain that they can get the 鈥渞ight鈥� price for their effort instead of selling wood-based products for a discounted price. Expansion of such practices and fixing the weak links of in current FSC certifications may lead the industry to continue better practices and welfare to the industry as in the similar way 鈥淭he Red Tractor Assurance鈥� for food industry and farming in UK.

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