SLIIT confers degrees on 1008 graduates
SLIIT held its convocation on the 16th and 17th February 2012 at the institutes Malabe campus.
The eve n t , which was hosted in four sessions, was attended by distinguished Chief Guests Hon. (Mrs.) Pavithradevi Wa n n i a r a c h ch i – Minister of Technology and Research, Professor Cliff Allan (Deputy Vice Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University – SHU, UK), Professor Gamini Samaranayaka (Chairman – University Grants Commission) and Ms. Rupa Deerasinghe ( Assistant Governor – Central Bank).
“Over the last decade, computer literacy in Sri Lanka has shown a quantum leap, and our IT exports stand as the 5th largest export , which is a remarkable achievement” notes Chief Guest Hon. Pavithradevi Wa n n i a r a c h ch i – Minister of Technology and Research. “I believe SLIIT has made a major contribution towards this success. I am aware, with this cohort of graduates, SLIIT’S output of graduates has reached nearly 6,000, which includes nearly 1,200 foreign university graduates. The value of these graduates is in excess of 12 billion rupees on the basis of one million for a local graduate and six million for a foreign graduate. SLIIT deserves accolades for such unprecedented achievement, especially as this is achieved without any cost to the government. It is most gratifying to note that all these graduates are well employed here and have contributed to our national wealth”.
Professor Cliff Allan, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Sheffield Hallam University ( SHU) – UK, focused on SLIIT’S timehonoured affiliation with SHU. “SHU has a strong, thriving partnership with SLIIT. Since the collaboration began, we have had many students who have followed SHU awards to their successful completion. It is fantastic to see so many more students graduate from these collaborat ive pro g rammes between SHU and SLIIT”. He went on to speak about SLIIT’S contribution towards education in the country; “no one can have any doubt of the contribution that universities and institutes of higher learning such as SLIIT can make to the preparation of young people for their lives as individuals, employees, future parents and ultimately, for many of the graduates, the political and business leaders of the 21st Century”.
“A university is not an overnight effort, but a gradual development. In upholding the standards of many key educational institutions today, these SLIIT graduates have demonstrated the freedom and dignity of such an education” stated Professor Gamini Samaranayake – Chairman, University Grants Commission.
Mr. Ajith Nivad Cabraal, Governor - Central Bank, who was represented by Ms. Rupa Deerasinghe Assistant Governor - Central Bank, used the opportunity to congratulate the students and speak about the importance of education and the relevant industries in today’s demanding global e c o n o m y. “Education channels a country towards development and it is important for these graduates to make a productive contribution towards the development of Sri Lanka. As the world progresses towards a knowledge-based economy, Sri Lanka too would need a labour force with a high degree of specialised skills in order to keep abreast of a fast- developing economy and prepare to face global challenges; its impacts and changes. I wish to extend my gratitude to SLIIT for the conferment of degrees on these students, and wish that all these graduates will make a contribution towards taking this country forward.”
“This year SLIIT conferred B. Sc. and M. Sc. degrees on 1008 students” e l aborat e s Professor S. Karunaratne, Chairman of SLIIT. “The event also saw the first batch graduate with B. Eng. in Electronic Engineering degrees from SLIIT’S long- time af f i l i at e SHU”. Additionally, degrees were conferred on students who have followed Engineering and BBA degree prog rammes through SLIIT’S global affiliates from Curtin University and Sheffield Hallam University.
Professor Lalith Gamage, President and CEO of SLIIT notes that “SLIIT has produced more than 50% of Sri Lanka’s IT / BPO professionals to date, which marks a significant contribution to the country’s 5th largest export earner. We constantly redefine the framework of fostering an environment which nurtures top-notch professionals who will make their mark upon the relevant industries in Sri Lanka, and we wish the graduating batch of 2011 all the very best as they embark on new frontiers in both their professional and personal lives”.