A Tribute to the Graduates at the 25th Annual Convocation of Royal Institute of Colombo
Every year, convocations worldover celebrate the achievements of graduating classes and present unto them the accolade of their hard work. On the 16th of February 2023, Royal Institute of Colombo (RIC) paid tribute to the dignified and unsullied fortitude of the graduating class of 2022. The 25th Annual Convocation Ceremony of RIC was held at BMICH for 84 LLB and LLM graduands, 95 BSc Graduates, 30 Certificate of Higher Education in Social Science (CHESS) and Common Law Recipients/ Diplomats of the University of London (UoL) programmes and 10 students from Deakin University’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programme.
Welcoming the gathering
Addressing the eminent gathering of the graduands, parents and esteemed dignitaries, Dr. Nirodha Bandara - the Academic Director in her welcome note applauded the hard work and determination of students in completing their studies. The graduation ceremony witnessed the gracious presence of His Lordship Honourable Justice Arjuna Obeysekera as the Guest of Honour. During his address to the graduating batch, he shared an important message, “Our habitat is gradually being dominated by technology and it is changing at a rapid pace. Connectivity, data analytics, artificial intelligence and the internet of things are rapidly changing our world and environment. It is crucial to be adaptable and to embrace lifelong learning in your professional development for your survival and success.”
Recognising the remarkable
RIC Achievers
The occasion witnessed the high spirit of the students as they graduated with flying colours. Among this year’s graduating batch, 6 EMFSS students were the World Prize winners for receiving the highest marks across the world for a module. 4 law students received Certificates of Excellence; 15 EMFSS students received First Class Honours; 5 BSc/CHESS students received Three Country Prizes (the highest performer in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India); 14 BSc/CHESS students received the Letter of Commendation and 4 best performers for the Academic Achievement Award on their degree/diploma programme. Likewise, 4 students received the ‘Special Topper Award’ for scoring the highest marks in Mathematics globally. Shashini Dayawansha – a BSc Mathematics and Economics student received the title of ‘RIC Valedictorian 2022’.
Messages from the notable academic dignitaries
Two years after COVID, the RIC Convocation this year was attended by the esteemed dignitaries of the UoL and Deakin University. Prof. Mary Stiasny, OBE - Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Learning and Teaching of the UoL International Programmes expressed her heartiest congratulations to the graduands. Dr. James Abdey – Associate Academic Director, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) also congratulated students on their graduation from the institution that shares a long-standing history of 30 years with the LSE and is one of LSE’s top-performing teaching centres around the world. Likewise, Prof. K. Baskaran - Pro Vice-Chancellor, International Research Partnerships, Deakin University, Australia shared, “In a fast-changing world, be confident, expect the unexpected, embrace the new challenges and opportunities come along the way. I’m confident that, you will make a significant contribution to the society, which will become more sustainable and peaceful world. RIC has given you the platform to launch your career and future endeavours.”
Special remarks from the Chairman
Mr. G.T. Bandara - the Chairman of RIC shared his special message, “I believe strongly in the principle that excellence is a habit. Achieving success is not something that is inherent to an individual but is born out of tremendous practice. As an undergraduate, it was this passion that took you through the challenges of the previous year. Now, as graduates, always strive to keep this alive no matter where life takes you. Every Convocation is a special event for RIC. It is the highlight of the year, both personally and to the Institute as a whole. It is so special, because we celebrate the powerful virtues of education and within it, the best of young human effort. As young scholars, you have enriched the academic community you now leave. As graduates, I now wish the same for the communities you go on to join. I wish you every success in your future endeavours!”