CIMA and David Peiris Group provide career guidance to Jaffna youth
CIMA Sri Lanka and David Peiris Group hosted a group of 24 CIMA students from Jaffna on a three-day extensive study tour.
The participants were given in-depth exposure to the corporate sector and practical application of their learning. This study tour aimed to assist them in realizing and planning for their future career goals. For many of the youth, it was their first exposure to a large scale corporation.
Participants attended an introductory session focusing on the different aspects of employability and employer expectations; facilitated by Harshana Dassanayake, Director and corporate trainer at DAASH Consultants and Training Pvt. Ltd. Senior management also shared their personal experience and expectations from those hoping to enter the corporate sector.
The practical aspect of the tour saw the students visiting the company’s two wheeler and three wheeler assembly plants. Business models and operations were explained to the participants, in addition to giving them a firsthand view of the technology in these facilities. Recreationally, a visit to the Sri Lanka Karting Circuit in Bandaragama was also organized; where participants put the track to the test under the expert guidance of the motor sports legend David Peiris himself. All of the participants unanimously agreed that the study tour gave them much needed knowledge and exposure. As one participant aptly stated, “I have learned a lot and it has changed my attitude towards the future.”
Speaking regarding this initiative, Radley Stephen (Country Head Sri Lanka, CIMA) elaborated, “We are pleased to know that David Peiris Motor Company Limited has understood the long term sustainable needs of the country and are delighted with their initiative to support students especially those from the North by providing them with the much needed corporate exposure. This project blends well with CIMA’S aspiration to churn out students who are industry ready and have the required practical experience to contribute effectively in their chosen working environments. Whilst we are confident that students have not only benefited but appreciate this programme, our journey with David Peiris Motor Company has been pleasant and we look forward to working in similar programs in the future.”
Kushantha De Silva (Managing Director, David Pieris Motor Company Ltd) added, “As a leading Sri Lankan conglomerate, we feel strongly that we have an obligation to ensure the youth of tomorrow are employable and have the practical experience to support and enhance their class room learning. The long term success and sustainability of our country and organizations such as ours, lies with them. We must play our part in preparing them for this. It is vital that young people who may not otherwise have access to the corporate sectors are provided with such opportunities. This was a pilot undertaking and based on the feedback from the participants, one we look forward to continuing in partnership with CIMA.”