MESSAGE FROM ASSISTANT SECRETARY EDEX ENG.THILAK R.THILAKARATNE

EDEX is proud to have served the youth of this country for the last 17 years and as such, it gives me great pleasure to make a small note about this important national event.

Sri Lanka is in the midst of a rapid phase of development, centered around knowledge. The government universities and colleges alone cannot fulfill the entire educational needs of the youth. Private universities also have a role to play here, and EDEX bridges the gap between the youth and educational institutes.

The 17 years of service rendered by EDEX has inspired many youth, and opened up numerous opportunities that were once reserved only for more privileged individuals. The high number of graduates in the country, covering all fields, is a direct result of these efforts.

EDEX is still as energetic and enthusiastic as when it started, back in 2004. Continuing and furthering the effort, EDEX has evolved and adapted in keeping with the times, by introducing a full spectrum on higher education and career needs, including Career Guidance with scientific Psychometric Tests, knowledge and experience sharing by industry experts, a Job Fair with direct job interviews and employment opportunities, EDEX’S own job portal, as well as a separate ‘zone’ to ignite novel ideas and Entrepreneurship initiatives. These zones are not limited to the youth, but open to all ages, since education and job seeking are not limited either.

Moving further towards sustainability, which has become a hot topic with climate change taking center-stage, EDEX has been hosting the ‘Think Green’ zone for many years. This is aimed at helping green initiatives, while promoting sustainability amongst the youth, which is something that is relevant to all.

EDEX’S CSR arm; EDEX Nenapahana, has already helped more than 100 schools with their essential needs, while yet another school will benefit from the helping hand of EDEX during this exhibition. I would like to congratulate and request them to continue their commitment towards education and the development of the country in the years to come.

EDEX has not left the school children aside. EDEX Sithuwam is an art exhibition carried out by EDEX, involving all school children, throughout the island. EDEX receives paintings from over 5,000 schools every year, in age-based categories. Visitors to EDEX can witness the top 250 paintings displayed at the exhibition premises. I take this opportunity to wish all the budding young artists the very best and congratulate all the winners.

EDEX has never been alone, but assisted and endorsed by government ministries, many leading educational institutions and public and private corporates. That has been the strength, both financially and strategically, for EDEX to evolve to this magnitude. EDEX, on behalf of its beneficiaries (i.e. the youth of this country), would like to extend its sincere thanks and warm regards to all respective government bodies, sponsors, exhibitors and partners.

Finally, with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, by being able to volunteer for such a worthy cause, I would like to invite everyone to keep the dates free and visit the EDEX Expo, at the BMICH (in Colombo) or the KCC (in Kandy). I’m sure every one of you will have much to gain, with new avenues, new beginnings and new hope for your lives.

Last but not least, it is my duty to appreciate the tireless work executed by the Royal Volunteers, the EDEX team, as well as the Secretariat team. The vision of the Royal College Union for such an initiative, and the encouragement received by the respective Principals throughout, is highly commendable.

All the best for a successful exhibition in 2020.