The Alumni Association of the University of Colombo will launch its Global Hybrid Alumni Knowledge-Sharing Seminar Series with an inaugural session on 21 July at the Senate Hall, College House, University of Colombo, with simultaneous online participation by overseas alumni.
Held under the theme ‘Technology and Innovation, Trade and Economics, and Law and Governance: Navigating Global Transformation in the Digital Age,’ the inaugural seminar marks the beginning of a new initiative to strengthen engagement among the University’s global alumni while creating a platform for knowledge sharing, professional networking, and collaboration.
The first session, focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, will bring together eminent University of Colombo alumni from Australia, Japan, and Sri Lanka to discuss contemporary global challenges and opportunities through the interconnected perspectives of technology, economics, trade, law, and governance.
The distinguished panel of speakers comprises eminent University of Colombo alumni: Prof. Anuja Dharmaratne (Monash University, Australia), CodeGen International Senior Scientist – Research and Innovation Dr. Yasun Kannangara, World Bank Lead Economist Dr. Harsha Aturupane, International University of Japan Professor of Economics Prof. N.S. Cooray, University of Colombo Faculty of Law Dean Prof. Sampath Punchihewa, and Dr. Darshana Sumanadasa (Curtin University, Australia).
The panel discussion will be moderated by Daily FT Editor Nisthar Cassim together with University of Colombo Alumni Association Global Alumni Network Initiative Chairman Dr. Malraj Kiriella.
The Chief Guest at the inaugural seminar will be University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Karunathilake.
University of Colombo Alumni Association President J.M.S. Bandara said: ‘For more than a century, the University of Colombo has produced leaders, academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants who continue to make significant contributions in Sri Lanka and across the world. The Alumni Association is committed to strengthening these lifelong bonds by creating opportunities for our alumni to reconnect, exchange ideas, and contribute their expertise. This Global Hybrid Alumni Knowledge-Sharing Seminar Series reflects our vision of harnessing the collective strength of our global alumni community in support of the University, national development, and international collaboration.’
University of Colombo Alumni Association Immediate Past President Rajeev Amarasuriya said: ‘In today’s interconnected world, alumni engagement should extend well beyond maintaining personal connections. It should create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, innovation, and thought leadership. By bringing together distinguished University of Colombo alumni from diverse disciplines and different parts of the world, this initiative establishes a sustainable platform that will strengthen our global alumni network while generating ideas, partnerships, and lasting value for the University and the country.’
Dr. Kiriella, who led the development of the initiative, said: ‘The Global Hybrid Alumni Knowledge-Sharing Seminar Series has been conceived as a platform to connect University of Colombo alumni across geographical boundaries through knowledge sharing, professional networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The response to the inaugural seminar has been extremely encouraging, with physical participation reaching full capacity well ahead of the event through prior registrations, while online registrations from overseas participants continue to grow. This enthusiastic response demonstrates the strong commitment of our global alumni community to reconnect with their alma mater and contribute to a meaningful exchange of knowledge and experience. We envisage this as the first of many initiatives that will further strengthen the University’s global alumni network and foster enduring collaboration across countries and disciplines.’
Daily FT is the Print Media Partner for the inaugural Global Hybrid Alumni Knowledge-Sharing Seminar Series.