Writing Clinic 5.0 was an educational session organized in collaboration with the Interact Club of Maliyadewa Balika Vidyalaya, Kurunegala. The main goal was to help school students prepare for the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) English Literature examination. The session was led by Rtr. Barani Elwaththa. It focused on two important areas: essay writing techniques and exam preparation strategies. Students were taught how to plan and structure essays properly, how to think critically about literary texts, and how to answer exam questions clearly and effectively. The session also covered time management and how to handle common question types in the exam. Students said they found the session helpful and that it boosted their confidence and understanding as the exam approached. Many…
Category: Professional Development
Aspire’25: Opening Doors to Global Scholarship Opportunities
Aspire’25 was a scholarship awareness program held on the 26th of March at Hall 302, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo. It was organized jointly with the Economic Students’ Association of the University of Colombo. The event, which was originally planned as a career fair later developed into a program focused on postgraduate scholarships. Aspire’25 aimed to inform undergraduates about international scholarship opportunities. The program was held in a hybrid format, both physically and virtually, allowing wider access for students. Speakers included individuals who had successfully received international postgraduate scholarships. They shared practical advice, personal experiences, and useful tips on how to apply and prepare for scholarship opportunities. Aspire’25 not only raised awareness but also inspired students to begin planning…
SkillXcellerator: Empowering the Next Generation of Professionals
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…
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…