In today’s fast-evolving world, staying ahead means constantly upgrading one’s skills. Understanding this need, the Rotaract Clubs of Colombo North, University of Colombo – Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Law, and School of Computing, University of Moratuwa, University of Kelaniya; University of Peradeniya; University of Sri Jayewardenepura; and the Alumni of University of Moratuwa., launched SkillXcellerator—a two-phase initiative designed to equip young professionals and students in Sri Lanka with valuable, future-focused skills. From project management and software development to law, journalism, AI, and international relations, the project offered a wide array of workshops and speaker sessions—all completely free of charge. Phase 1 of SkillXcellerator took place on March 8th at the University of Colombo’s Faculty of Arts. The day started…
Category: Professional Development
Empower
In March 2025, the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts came together with the Rotaract University of Colombo, Faculty of Law to create a transformative space where university students could grow into confident, capable leaders. What emerged was Empower, a bold and inspiring project that tackled some of the most pressing challenges faced by undergraduates, including lack of confidence, leadership uncertainty, and the struggle to adapt to new academic and social environments. Empower was designed in two impactful phases. The first phase launched a digital campaign that featured a series of blog articles and social media posts centered on themes such as effective leadership traits, the art of networking, team guidance, and digital literacy. The second phase…
Purawara Kathikawatha’24: A Clash Of Words, Wit and Victory!
The grand finale of Purawarakathikawatha’24, organized by the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts took place on January 22nd at the Faculty of Arts premises. The stage was set for an intense showdown between two of Sri Lanka’s top school debating teams, Royal College, Colombo, and Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya. After a fierce and captivating debate, Royal College emerged victorious, claiming the championship trophy before an esteemed panel of judges. This wasn’t just a competition, it was the result of dedication, strategic preparation, and exceptional debating skills. Both teams showcased sharp argumentation, confident delivery, and powerful rhetoric, making every moment of the debate gripping. Their intense preparations were evident, reflecting their hard work and passion for debating. While…
Role of Digital Literacy in Empowering Future Generations
Digital literacy can be defined as the ability to effectively use and understand digitaltechnology, which means being able to search, communicate, evaluate, and createinformation online. In the 21st century, where technology is thriving like never before,having strong digital literacy skills gives one an edge over others in careers, education,and even daily life. As this is an era where most processes and activities are performedonline, navigating the web efficiently is a significant skill. Digital literacy empowersfuture generations by bridging knowledge gaps and fostering inclusion in terms ofeducation and learning as well as career growth. The ability to access the wealth of information online with precision is provided by digitalliteracy. Even for less-privileged students, resources can be found, offered free of chargeand…
The Art of Networking: Building Connections That Empower You
“Your network is your net worth.” – Porter Gale Picture this: You walk into a crowded room. Some people are deep in conversation, some are exchanging business cards like they’re Pokémon cards, and a few are clutching their drinks like lifelines. Now, which one are you? If you’re the “awkwardly staring at your phone” type, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Networking isn’t about forcing yourself into every conversation or collecting contacts like trophies. It’s about forming genuine connections that open doors and empower you in ways you never imagined. Why Networking Matters (Hint: It’s Not Just for Extroverts) Networking is simply the art of building relationships that help you grow, professionally, personally, and sometimes even spiritually (depending on who you…
Spectra ’24: A Celebration of Talent and Unity
The Rotaract Club of the University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts, proudly hosted Spectra '24, the most anticipated talent show of the year. Held on October 8, 2024, at the New Arts Theatre, the event brought together a lively audience of 100, celebrating the diverse skills and creativity of students across the university. The show featured 16 performances, showcasing their talents in an impressive lineup of performances. Adding a unique touch, the items were presented in all three national languages, reflecting the rich cultural diversity and unity of the university community. Spearheaded by the Professional Development Avenue under the leadership of Director Sanuthi Wickramaachchi, alongside the dedicated efforts of Project Chairpersons Inura Déwasinghe and Vihangi Uswatta, their vision transformed the…
In the Realm of Military Service: A Conversation with Mrs. Sujanthi Namasinghe
In the field of military service, women are constantly breaking down gender stereotypes and advocating for equality through their professions. Through Beyond the Labels, we had the opportunity to speak with a retired Air Force Aero Instrument and Electrical Technician and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Mrs. Sujanthi Namasinghe, about her journey, experiences, and reflections on gender equality in the military. What inspired you to pursue a career in the military, and were there unique challenges you faced as a woman entering this field? I thought of joining the Air Force after seeing the beauty of their uniform. And I've always liked the Air Force Band. After seeing those things, I became interested in them and wanted to join the Air Force.…
Nurturing Creativity: A Conversation with U. L. Thiyara Ranasinghe
U. L. Thiyara Ranasinghe is the proud owner of @Ytartsandcrafts, an Instagram-based hand-painted cards business she manages with her sister. We interviewed Ms. Ranasinghe as a part of the project ‘Beyond the Lables’, in order to get insights as to her motivation in starting this business, the hurdles she faced and her advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, among other key aspects. The following are the questions we directed to Ms. Ranasinghe during the interview and her remarkable responses. What motivated you to start your business? Since we were kids, both of us were talented in art, and my sister and I used to make birthday cards for our parents as well as our best friends every year. They were quite…
Beyond The Home: Unveiling The Invisible Sacrifices and Unspoken Challenges of Modern Housewives
Motherhood and marriage heavily impact a woman's professional journey. Many women have faced difficulties in balancing their family life and their career, and have often been forced to choose between one or the other due to societal pressure, economic burden or simply having no other choice. Kumari, a 51 years old woman who wishes to remain anonymous, tells us about her struggles of being a housewife and also a working mother. Can you tell us about the dreams or goals you had and if you were able to achieve them? (Were you forced to give up your dreams due to marriage, children or family commitments) I was actually quite ambitious when I was young. I was known as a workaholic,…
Redefining Stereotypes: Girl’s Empowerment Through Sports
In a society where traditional gender roles often confine women to certain domains, sports stand as a prime example. Despite prevailing notions that sports are primarily for men, there are countless female athletes breaking through these barriers. Through our Beyond the Label project, we had the honor of conversing with one such remarkable athlete, A.M Chinthani VishmikaBandara in the University of Jaffna currently playing for Colombo Football Club. Her story echoes the journeys of women defying societal norms in sports. 1) How have you initiated your journey in the field of football professionally and as a woman what motivated you to pursue it professionally? I started playing football at 8 years old, back in grade 3. It all began when I joined the school…